By Alexander Winton
St. Joseph, a town of 3,810 residents, is gearing up for a major sewer expansion project to address critical capacity issues and facilitate future growth.
Village Administrator Joseph Hackney explained the need for the project and the role of Clark Dietz, a civil engineering firm, in spearheading the effort.
Currently, St. Joseph’s sewer plant is operating at around 90 percent of its peak capacity on a normal day, and during heavy rain events, there is a risk of exceeding the capacity.
Hackney believes this compliance concern and the Village’s desire to grow over time necessitate an upgrade of the sewer plant. Hackney stressed that increased capacity is crucial for the community’s growth, as reaching the limit of critical facilities like the sewer plant can hinder further development.
To fund the project, St. Joseph has secured a low-interest loan through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), with $1.8 million of the loan amount being forgiven. Hackney acknowledged the instrumental role of Clark Dietz in helping the village navigate the qualification process for loan forgiveness.
The total cost of the project is estimated to be between $12 million and $14 million, and the village plans to trim down the project if it exceeds the $12 million budget. With an annual operating budget of $3 million, the project is a significant investment for St. Joseph.
The project is currently out for bid, with bids expected to be submitted by April 26. After a scoring process, the village plans to issue a notice to proceed in July, with the construction expected to last no longer than a year.
According to Hackney, the funding for the wastewater treatment plant project in St. Joseph will not result in changes to the tax rate. However, Hackney emphasized that the Village of St. Joseph takes around 6 percent of the total property tax haul.
“We get one of the lowest amounts of the property tax out of all the different taxing bodies,” Hackney said. “So, our property taxes that we carry are very, very small, compared to the other taxing districts, so whenever people’s property taxes go up, it’s not the village doing it.” he said.
Hackney explains that the project will be funded through utility services, and the village had already adopted a gradual increase in utility rates over the next 10 years as part of a utility rate study conducted in 2019. He states that the village needed to increase utility rates to keep up with operational costs even without the wastewater treatment plant project, but the project necessitated a slightly higher increase to offset long-term payments.
Hackney acknowledges that there will be an impact on residents through rate increases, but he believes the increases will be smaller and more manageable in the latter years of the 10-year period.
Hackney also shed light on the role of Clark Dietz in the project, stating that they are the Village’s general contractor for engineering services and provide expertise in various areas including streets, sewers, stormwater, and building design. He believes they are a natural fit for the sewer facility project due to their extensive experience in wastewater treatment plants and their strong presence in the region.
However, some residents have questioned why Clark Dietz was chosen for the job and raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, as Sean Widener, the Mayor of Mahomet, is also connected to the project through Clark Dietz.
“His role in Mahomet has nothing to do with what we do here at all,” Hackney stated. “It’s kind of wacky sense here that him being a mayor just gives him a different worldview, as in his role during the day as an engineer, which I think that any municipality would find valuable.”
Hackney’s comments highlight the potential concerns about how Mayor Widener’s dual roles may impact the sewer expansion project in St. Joseph and raise questions about potential conflicts of interest and the need for transparency in the project’s decision-making processes. Hackney emphasized the Vvillage’s commitment to transparency and ethical practices in the project’s execution.
Addressing concerns about transparency and ethical conduct in the project, Hackney assured the public that the village is committed to conducting the project transparently and in compliance with all regulations. He highlighted the rigorous qualification process for the IEPA loan forgiveness and the involvement of what he believes to be a reputable engineering firm as evidence of the Village’s commitment to ethical practices.
In addition to addressing capacity and compliance concerns, Hackney believes the sewer expansion project will positively impact St. Joseph’s long-term growth. He says the improved sewer infrastructure will provide the Village with the necessary capacity to accommodate new houses and commercial structures, supporting future development and economic growth.
When asked about potential environmental impacts, Hackney mentioned that the village has worked with environmental firms like Fehr Graham for environmental assessments and surveys. He says the project will adhere to all environmental regulations and mitigation measures to minimize any adverse impacts on the environment.
As St. Joseph moves forward with its sewer expansion project, Hackney conveyed a message to the residents about the project’s significance for the town’s future. He asserts that the project is critical for addressing capacity issues, supporting growth, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
Despite the challenges of funding and construction, Hackney expressed confidence in the project’s success and its positive impact on St. Joseph’s long-term prospects.
