The Backus City Council began researching options for a wastewater system replacement fund at its Monday, March 2, regular meeting.
The city became responsible for making a yearly contribution to its own wastewater infrastructure system replacement fund by accepting a Minnesota Public Facilities Authority financing agreement to pay for its recent wastewater treatment project to run wastewater to the treatment facility in Pine River.
City Clerk Ann Swanson said the city's wastewater systems are relatively self-sustaining, so the city will be capable of meeting the yearly contribution, but the city needs to set up some form of account for the replacement fund, which cannot be accessed for other purposes.
The council approved a resolution authorizing the establishment of a wastewater treatment system replacement fund and annual deposits into the replacement fund. The specific type of fund is still under discussion. The amount of the contribution varies according to wastewater flow using a formula established by the Minnesota Public Facilities Authority.
In other business Monday, the council:
ADVERTISEMENT
• Decided to wait to award a bid for flooring replacement in the town homes, pending information about square footage and an itemized bill.
• Awarded a bid for the relocation of a beacon at the municipal airport for $25,750 to Pine River Electric. The costs will be paid largely by a grant from the Federal Aviation Administration. Council member Steve Braker voted in opposition to the bid, saying the city would be required to pay back grant funds if it ever decided to discontinue the airport.
