Beaver County commissioners spent substantial time discussing a multi-part water project and associated federal funding offers for spring improvements and waterline work. Staff and consultants said the package originally included a larger $10 million scope and a $4 million portion that the district could pursue now, but it would require a local match the district does not have ready.

"This money has to be spent within 12 months," a board member said, noting the construction window and winter season limit capacity. Commissioners discussed two options: (1) accept the offer and identify matching funds now, or (2) defer the work to next year and pursue a scaled-back scope to reduce the local match. Several board members favored tabling the decision until they can identify achievable scope reductions and document in-kind work as part of a match.

Staff committed to keep a careful log of time and materials that could be documented as a match. Operations staff said parts of the system already have new pipe and pumps, allowing the scope to be cut in places. Commissioners also discussed related tasks: drainage planning for the condo village, tree removal ahead of work, and targeted fixes in the village that could be funded from a reduced scope.

Separately, the board discussed a delayed payout from the Division of Drinking Water that is holding up contractor payments. One speaker said Roland (a contractor) has been waiting three months for payment; the board acknowledged they cannot pay the contractor until the grant funds arrive. Staff agreed to contact the agency and to request documentation and status updates.

No formal vote was taken on accepting the grant; instead, commissioners directed staff to develop a reduced-scope plan, track matching time and expenses, and report back next month with a timeline and cost estimates.