The North Judson Town Council is a step closer to making a decision on potential water and wastewater upgrades. Vince Sommers with Commonwealth Engineers discussed a cost-savings analysis with council members last week.
Commonwealth Engineers is suggesting nearly $1.9 million in improvements to the town’s combined sewer overflow system and another $1.5 million for upgrades to the wastewater treatment plant. Water infrastructure upgrades are also planned.
North Judson Clerk-Treasurer Alicia Collins says the next step will be for council members to meet again with accounting firm Umbaugh and Associates to further explore financing options. The town is considering applying for grant funding from the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs or the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development office.
The remainder of the cost would likely be covered by issuing bonds, which in turn would lead to higher utility rates to cover the bond payment. Collins says Umbaugh is currently working on water and sewer rate studies. She expects the council will make some decisions on how to proceed with the project in the next couple of months.
