What is the USDA Water & Sewer Capital Improvement Project?
At the September 2020 Village Council meeting, the Council approved the proposal from Wightman & Associates to begin work on the application process for Water & Sewer Infrastructure Capital Improvement Projects through the USDA. Since that time the Village has updated ordinances and water & sewer rate structures to advance with the application approval development.
The Village of Decatur currently does not have existing debt. One of the necessary objectives to secure financing through the USDA, is adopting a water & sewer rate schedules to ensure the municipality can repay the loans. While the Village has strong fund balances related to water & sewer operations, the Village Council is acting fiscally responsible to ensure the infrastructure projects can be completed along with repayments of the loans without causing hardships to the operations.
It is important to understand, the Village Council has historically kept water & sewer rates below market prices. The water & sewer systems are reaching their life expectancy. These Capital Improvement Projects are critical to update, keep and maintain the water & sewer systems and provide these utility services to the Village of Decatur residents, businesses and future growth.
At the Village Council meeting schedule for Monday, February 7, 2022, the Council will continue to review the proposed water & sewer rate schedules.
Water & Sewer Rates Discussion
USDA-Water-Wastewater Systems Draft Applications
FY 23 Annual Appropriation Bill
Water & Environmental Programs | Rural Development (usda.gov)
