Commission approves $38,500 for countywide water supply study amendment

Coffey County commissioners approved an additional $38,500 on Dec. 23 to cover expanded work on a countywide water supply study and master plan. County staff explained the funds are needed to cover work beyond the original scope to ensure the study addresses countywide issues including hydrant placement, water-line age and pressure capability.

Staff said the additional work will allow the consultant to provide a more complete countywide assessment for future economic-development planning. The county’s motion authorized terms and conditions presented by the consulting firm (CFS) and specified funding to come from the Community Improvement Reserve Fund. A draft of the amended report was described as expected by mid-February.

Commissioners asked procedural questions about fund source and reimbursement pathways for related CDBG-funded work; staff said much of the reimbursable work will come back to the county through the usual CDBG reimbursement process.

Next steps: county staff to finalize the amended scope and execute the agreement, monitor deliverables and present the draft report to commissioners when available.