The Sewer Commission met on Monday, October 20 to get updates on repairs and approve the 2026 budget.
Owen DPW Chad Smith reported that repairs to the standpipe at the Wastewater Treatment Plant will be made the first week of November if there isn’t a lot of rain. The blueprints are done. The new standpipe will have a six-inch vent rather than a four-inch vent. The measurements have all been double-checked and the new parts are being built now. The first piece will be slid over the current standpipe, with the rest on top of that. Smith said they might sandblast and paint it next summer, either having the work done by someone else or by Owen public works, dependent upon the cost. Details are being worked out with the hauler for the time the standpipe can’t be used, estimated to be a couple of days. Kerry Ingredients will also be talked to about reducing their flow during that time. Smith is planning to shut down a portion of the road on Pine Street in Withee for the frac truck and the haulers. They are going to try to put it on the lawn at the lift station but are not sure it will fit. Staab is going to try to bypass the system so that trucks won’t have to run during the night.
Smith said that in 2026 he would like to start replacing air relieve valves beginning with Lift Station #1. He said they might be able to buy one new and then rebuild others down the line if he can find enough parts. The cost of a new relief valve is $2,291. He is working on bids to replace the aeration system at the treatment plant. They have been working on it a little at a time but he would like to fast track it and do an entire pond. The money could come from the Sewer Replacement Account. They also need to replace a furnace at the treatment plant. Smith got prices ranging from $3,891 to $5,400. It was suggested he go with a Lennox furnace that is 92% efficient to get the lower cost. Smith also said that Lift Station #1 has water in one of the pumps. It will cost $12,000 to $15,000 to rebuild it, if necessary. Lift Station #2 also has a seal fail. Smith is working to get a new pump from Stetsonville that they no longer need.
Smith went over the 2026 budget. He said the sewer rate for 2026 will remain the same. Withee DPW Derek Schad said Withee will be going up 20-25 percent. The budget was approved with income and expenses set at $460,361.93.