by Michael J. Marino
A “double-edged sword” in terms of project design costs, and a big problem with disposable wipes, were among the topics discussed at the Dec. 12 meeting of the Worden-Ballantine Yellowstone County Water & Sewer District (WBYC) board of directors.
Crystal Bennett, a spokesperson for Great West Engineering, provided an update regarding the district’s critical ongoing water project, which is set up to take place in five phases. The board moved to approve a drawdown of ARPA funds for $11,997.00 to cover preliminary and final design costs for Phases 4 and 5. However, board member Mark Larson said he was concerned about the district being able to afford those phases in the future. “I’m nervous,” he said, “that we’re not going to have the funds for it…”
Board Director Gary Fredericks contended WBYC may actually “be advantaged… if the economy continues to tank, where we’ve got guaranteed revenue, we might get better bidding than we think.”
Bennett agreed and added, “There are some contractors looking specifically at this job… because it’s close to home, and they wouldn’t have to pay all the travel costs to move their crew.”
Board President Dan Ewen also agreed but noted the price of pipes and other construction materials is continually rising.
“What I think we’re trying to get at,” stated Vice President Judy Becker, “is we’re afraid of paying for a whole bunch of designs that we’re not going to use.”
The board concurred: they are anxious about being able to afford the entire project going forward.
Click Here to READ Entire Story
