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January 2013 |
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SOUTH WASSERMAN TO GET UTILITIES VICTORIA PREPARES FOR MORE DEVELOPMENT Council voted 5-0 on December 10th to approve plans and specifications for the Wasserman Trunk Utility improvements and to advertise for bids. This is the project that will connect Victoria's sewer and water lines to the undeveloped Segal property south of Lake Wasserman that is preparing to develop. It was annexed to Victoria in October 2011. In November 2012, the City of Victoria received a sketch plat for 58 new homes on the first parcel. As reported, the work includes extension of a 27-inch trunk sanitary sewer line from an existing manhole near Lift Station #18 to the south for approximately 3,950 feet. And it includes extension of a 12-inch trunk watermain for approximately 1,550 feet beginning at an existing hydrant located at the southwest corner of Tellers Road and County Road 43 intersection. City Engineer Cara Geheren said she's looking to have construction start in March and to do work before road restrictions are on. She said the project should be completed in July 2013. "The total project cost is $1.6 million with $1.38 million for the sewer," said Cara. "The 27-inch pipe is going to be very deep. I am anxious to get the bids back. We've had discussion with property owners and it has been favorable for acquiring easements." In regard to the huge project, City Manager Don Uram stated, "I think this says that the City of Victoria is supportive of development as long as it's appropriate."
$20 MILLION IN CAPITAL IMPROVEMENTS PLANNED, NOT APPROVED, OVER FIVE YEARS Council approved a Capital Improvement Plan for the years 2013 through 2017 that includes grand total expenditures amounting to $19,371,401. As Mayor Mary Thun stated on December 13th, "This is a plan. It's not an automatic approval." Over half of the nearly $20 million in proposed capital improvements are being proposed for 2013, the first year of the five-year plan. They included $38,000 for a pickup truck replacement, $233,000 for the Wasserman water trunk utility improvement, $1,387,000 for the Wasserman sewer trunk utility improvement, $2,000,000 for a new City Hall, $3,000,000 for a new Public Works Facility, $122,770 toward the 13.5 acres planned to be part of Downtown Victoria, $1,700,000 for Aster Trail street improvements, $150,000 to improve four lift stations, $150,000 for improvements to the Lakebridge/Krey Lakes Park, $250,000 for the renovation of South Lake Virginia Shores Park. As reported in the agenda statement for that evening, "The projects for 2013 are included in the appropriate fund budgets. The projects for years 2014 through 2017 are adopted for conceptual purposes only." It was also pointed out that all of the projects listed above have sufficient funding sources either from cash reserves or the issuance of bonds. In addition, there are three unfunded projects identified for 2013 totaling $1.3 million for trail connections, street reconstruction, and draintile projects. Grants and plans are under study.
SEWER AND WATER HAVE A PRICE TAG VICTORIA ADOPTS 2013 UTILITY BUDGETS - Council adopted the 2013 Enterprise Fund Budgets for the Water, Sanitary Sewer, and Stormwater Management Utilities on December 10th. Finance Manager Kelly Grinnell presented numbers and pie charts related to each of the utilities. Water. The water budget for 2013 anticipates revenues of $1,293,768 and expenses of $1,525,597. Year end cash, however, exceeds the minimum reserve goal. The Water Fund generates revenue from charges for water service and fees related to the utility. Some of the expenses are for debt service, capital outlay, and charges from the Metropolitan Council. The biggest expense continues to be Debt Service related to the Water Treatment Plant ($821,850). Sewer. The sewer budget for 2013 anticipates revenues of $848,597 and expenditures of $1,463,333. Again, year end cash exceeds the minimum reserve goal. The Sewer fund generates revenue from charges for services and fees related to the utility. Some of the expenses are for capital outlay and charges from the Metropolitan Council. The biggest expense at this time is the 2013 Wasserman Trunk Utility Improvement ($1,387,000). Stormwater. The stormwater budget for 2013 anticipates revenues of $137,372 and expenditures of $150,599. A rate study is to be completed in 2013 to revise the structure and fees.
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