Town improving Wastewater Treatment

By Guest Columnist Mayor Ryshonda Beechem The Town is currently working on our Wastewater Treatment Facilities Improvement. I have met with Waggoner Engineers over the course of weeks to submit necessary documents to MDEQ. We have submitted:  1. Financing Statement 2. Memorandum of Loan Agreement 3. GAAP Certification . Fiscal Sustainability Plan Certification 5. Loan Application  6. The minutes from March 2, 2020 board meeting authorizing the submission of application  7. The Town will move to advertise for professional services during October 5 board meeting. The plan is to utilize USDA funds for professional services. However, the Town wants to follow all MDEQ procedures.  The Town is working in procuring professional services and will ensure the items requested are submitted as soon as contracts are in place. The USDA application, Preliminary Engineering Report, Environmental Report have been completed. The only remaining task is submitting an audit so the USDA application can move forward. The audit is underway and should allow for funds to be secured per the proposed schedule, however not having all the tools and/or  competent people to meet  the task could potentially not only slow the town’s progress but could cause the town to receive tremendous fines.