Waterworks Department proposes $5.7M budget with major improvements for 2026

The Town of Speedway, Indiana, held a departmental budget meeting on August 19, 2025, to discuss the proposed budget for 2026, focusing on the water and wastewater departments. The meeting highlighted significant budgetary adjustments and capital improvement plans that aim to enhance the town's infrastructure while managing costs effectively.

The water department's proposed budget for 2026 is set at approximately $5.7 million, reflecting a decrease of about 9% or $540,000 from the previous year. This reduction is attributed to the completion of large capital expenditures in the prior year, allowing for a more streamlined budget. Key projects include a $1.5 million allocation for the cleaning and inspection of the Sixteenth Street water tower, which is crucial for maintaining water quality and infrastructure integrity. The tower, which has not undergone significant maintenance in over a decade, requires extensive work, including sandblasting and repainting.

Additionally, the budget includes $200,000 for the replacement of wells and $400,000 earmarked for the sedimentation rehabilitation project, which is essential for ensuring the efficiency of the water treatment process. The water department has also optimized operations, resulting in reduced staffing needs and chemical costs, further contributing to the budget decrease.

In the wastewater sector, the proposed budget stands at $8.6 million, marking a slight reduction of 1.4%. This decrease is primarily due to savings achieved through competitive bidding for chemicals, which have significantly lowered operational costs. The wastewater department is also progressing on a major energy savings project, which is expected to yield further financial benefits as it continues to develop.

Both departments emphasized the importance of maintaining and upgrading equipment to ensure safety and efficiency. The discussions underscored a commitment to prudent financial management while addressing the community's growing infrastructure needs.

As the council prepares to review these budget proposals, the focus remains on balancing fiscal responsibility with the necessity of maintaining high-quality public services. The anticipated next steps include a bid process for the water tower project and further evaluations of the wastewater facility's operational improvements. The outcomes of these discussions will play a critical role in shaping the town's infrastructure and service delivery in the coming years.