The Bremen Town Council members began discussions last week on separating the superintendent duties between the water and street departments.
The utilities were combined about 30 years ago, but Water, Wastewater and Street Superintendent Alex Mikel says it is time to start thinking about an additional utility superintendent to oversee operations.
“It’s something that really does need to be done,” said Mikel. “We’re the only community our size that does have two water treatment plants. We have infrastructure in the ground that is 128 years old and it’s taking a lot of time. We had more leaks this past month than we did all last year. With drinking water regulations getting tighter and tighter, I think we really need to start looking at it. This year alone we’ve put more services in than any other year since I’ve been here – new services. Obviously our aging infrastructure is going to take more of a toll on us.”
Mikel said he would assume the water superintendent’s responsibilities if another person could be hired either in-house or externally for the street superintendent’s position.
There are currently four street employees and three employees in the water department and that includes Mikel who is the superintendent. Mikel said ideally he would like to have four employees in the water department for another employee to assist with everyday operations, but the funds are not available to support that additional employee. There was a point two years ago where there were four employees at each department, but one employee left and was not replaced in response to budget concerns.
Clerk-Treasurer Janet Anglemyer reminded the town council members that while the discussion is relevant, the 2021 budget does not support the addition of a superintendent. She suggested that before a solid decision is made, a rate study for water and sewer be conducted to see what rate increases are proposed as it needs to be done in 2021. When the council looks at the 2022 budget it can properly be budgeted in the necessary funds. However, Anglemyer warns that the impacts COVID-19 has had on revenues in the state could be a hard realization in the 2022 budget.
The rate study is expected to be conducted by Baker Tilly officials in early 2021. At that time, the council members will pick up the discussion about the separation of superintendent duties at the water department and street department.
