Jasper Utility Service Board discusses north side wastewater treatment facility

Jasper Utilities General Manager Rob Young, speaking at a recent utility service board meeting, reported that the city believes it has reached an agreement with landowners on several key items related to the planned north side wastewater treatment plant.

The plant is expected to be built at the corner of Portersville Road and County Road 500 North.

The city is simultaneously working with an adjacent landowner to obtain an easement for a discharge pipe serving Mill Creek. Young described these land acquisition and easement discussions as “critical final steps” before fully releasing Midwestern Engineers, now known as CHA Consulting, to proceed with design work.

Young anticipates finalizing these remaining items within the next few weeks, allowing the project to move forward into the design phase.

The water treatment plant project connects to broader regional sewer infrastructure discussions involving the Dubois County Regional Sewer District.

The county’s project appears positioned for favorable financing, with Young noting it was listed in the fundable range with the State Revolving Fund and Indiana Finance Authority.

However, the county district must complete several requirements before proceeding with State Revolving Fund financing. These include determining rates with the City of Jasper and finalizing a local agreement with the city.

The city previously approved an agreement with Baker Tilly to develop proposed rates for county residents who would use the system. The rate development work carries a not-to-exceed cost of $10,000.

Young expects to present the rate analysis by Thanksgiving, allowing discussions about the proposed rates to move forward. The timeline targets completion of both the rate structure and interlocal agreement by the end of the calendar year.

The county district’s timeline calls for completing the State Revolving Fund process and closing on financing by June of next year, assuming all requirements are met. This would allow construction to begin in 2027.

Young notes that whether the city’s water treatment plant project receives higher state funding scores next year or pursues different financing options, the timelines will align similarly. Both projects would likely see construction activity throughout the following year.

The interlocal agreement between the city and county district will establish the operational framework for providing service to Hayesville residents. This agreement covers service standards, maintenance responsibilities, and long-term operational considerations.