GARNETT, Kan. — At a special meeting Monday, Garnett City Commissioners agreed to proceed with a phased approach for wastewater system improvements.
Midwest Engineering Group provided two options for the city to consider. The option selected would involve replacing 81 manholes, many of which are brick lined, and repair of 38 other manholes, along with replacing 31,591 feet of collection lines, 432 service lines, and four SCADA systems, at a projected cost of just over $9 million, which would allow the city to address the worst issues first.
The second option presented, with a $17.8 million cost, would have replaced over 200 manholes and 62,540 feet of collection lines along with double the service lines of the phased concept.
Both options are largely being funded through a loan from the State of Kansas Revolving Loan Fund. Each option also carries with it a $2 million loan forgiveness option. Based on a 30-year loan at a 3.35 percent interest rate, the phased option has an annual payment of $374,850, or an average cost of $9.71 per user per month. The full project would have required a monthly cost of $30.54 per month per user.
The first payment on the loan would not be due until 2028.
The rate hike is based on the assumption the loan would be repaid solely from service fees. It’s anticipated part of the project cost will be funded through a portion of proceeds from a sales tax voters approved in November 2025. How much has not yet been determined as the city is planning to use part of sales tax proceeds for a new swimming pool and other projects.
