During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the criteria for capital projects and outlined significant water infrastructure upgrades planned for the upcoming fiscal years. Capital projects, defined as those exceeding $50,000 in cost, taking longer than 12 months to complete, and having a useful life of over five years, will now also require that the assets be depreciable. This change aims to ensure that only projects with long-term financial viability are included in the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).

One of the key projects highlighted was the replacement of outdated programmable logic controllers (PLCs) at various water treatment facilities. Many existing PLCs are nearing obsolescence, which poses risks not only in maintenance costs but also in cybersecurity. Recent assessments revealed vulnerabilities in the current systems, particularly in light of increasing cyberattacks on water infrastructure. The officials noted a recent attack on a major private water treatment facility, underscoring the urgency of upgrading to newer PLCs that can support updated cybersecurity measures.

The proposed expenditures for these upgrades are substantial, with $82,000 allocated for fiscal year 2026, $368,000 for fiscal year 2027, and $205,000 for fiscal year 2029. Funding for these projects will be sourced from the Water Fund. Officials emphasized the importance of spreading out the costs over several years to manage financial impact effectively, as many of the PLCs in use have been operational since 2012, indicating a pressing need for replacement.