Meeting Summary
The city commissioners held a public hearing and work session to address Shawnee's long-term water needs and alternatives. Key discussions included the impacts of climate change on water resources, a detailed overview of critical water and wastewater infrastructure deficiencies requiring significant investment, and a proposal for Shawnee to join a consortium of Central Oklahoma cities to secure future water supply from Sardis Lake. Various funding mechanisms, including rate adjustments, general obligation bonds, and sales taxes, were explored, emphasizing the necessity of public support for these capital projects.
Financial Matters
Water Treatment Plant Upgrades
Increasing plant capacity to 15 MGD, adding clear wells, mechanical sweeps, high service pumps, fixing intake tower, upgrading lab, and sludge management.
Water Distribution System Upgrades
Water line replacement and looping, large meter replacement, and a 1 million gallon water tower.
North Side Sewer Plant Upgrades
Addition and recoding of screw pumps, VFDs for blowers, generator transfer switch, 10 million gallon holding pond, sludge dewatering boxes, bar screen replacement, drain addition, and valve actuators.
South Side Sewer Plant Replacement
Replacement of the aging trickling filter plant (built in the 1950s) with an extended aeration activated sludge system, deemed more cost-efficient than repairs.
Wastewater Collection System Upgrades
Yearly pipe bursting, lift station rehabilitation, manhole rehabilitation, private line rehabilitation, and flusher truck replacement.
Sardis Lake Study Funding (Shawnee's share)
Shawnee's estimated share to fund a study for participation in the Central Oklahoma cities consortium for Sardis Lake water rights.
General Obligation (GO) Bonds
Discussion of GO bonds as a funding mechanism for capital improvements, paid by property taxes. A $5 million bond over 10 years would increase taxes by $65/year on a $100k home.
Sales Tax Increase
Discussion of a 1-cent sales tax increase (generating ~$5M/year) or a half-cent increase (generating ~$2.5M/year) as a funding mechanism.
30-inch Raw Water Transmission Line Replacement
Replacement of the entire aging 30-inch raw water transmission line from the lakes to the treatment plant, identified as the city's number one priority.
Sardis Lake Water Rights Acquisition
Estimated cost for the consortium of Central Oklahoma cities to acquire water rights from Sardis Lake.
Sardis Lake Pipeline Construction
Estimated cost to construct a pipeline from Sardis Lake to connect with the existing Atoka/McGee Creek line.
Public Comments
Public comments included a suggestion for mixed funding (GO bonds and rates) for water infrastructure and questions regarding Texas's interest in Sardis Lake and the associated legal and political complexities.
Coming Up
Watch For
- Resolution of participation in Sardis Lake proposal (November 19th meeting)
- Memo of Understanding for Sardis Lake study funding (December/January)
- Negotiation of Title 60 intergovernmental trust document (Spring/Late Summer)
- Public vote on sales tax or GO bonds for water infrastructure funding (next 4-5 months)
Announcements
- Shauna Turner with Sustainable Shawnee is spearheading a conservation education effort as a member of the Water Resource committee.
- Commissioners and mayor attended the governor's Water conference, showing strong presence and involvement in the state water plan update.
Agenda Summary
Public Hearing and Discussion Regarding Long-Term Water Needs and Alternatives
Presentations covered climate change impacts on Oklahoma's water supply, current water infrastructure conditions and projected needs for water treatment, distribution, and wastewater systems, and potential long-term water supply solutions, including a proposal to participate in a Central Oklahoma cities consortium for Sardis Lake water. Funding options and conservation efforts were also discussed.