After nearly two years of discussion regarding building a water treatment plant in Wellington, council members finally came to a decision on Wednesday. As the decision came to a split vote by the council, mayor Joan Powell broke the tie with a vote in favor of the plant.
According to Powell, the city stands to save a projected $100,000 or more every year by treating its own water and setting its own rates versus using another party.
“It will be a value to Wellington,” Powell explained. She went on to state that the plant would provide additional jobs in the area. “It gives us money to hire somebody.”
The plant is expected to cost $3.5 million. The city has already been approved for a $975,000 grant as well as a low-interest loan to fund the project.
While the council approved to move forward with the project, the city is still awaiting approval from USDA Rural Development. If the USDA approves the project, the city will be able to move forward, beginning with the purchase of land to house the plant.
“Then, the wheels get turning,” Powell said.
When the project was proposed, it was anticipated to take five years from approval by the council to begin operation. In September, it will have been two years since the project was brought before council members.