In what Guthrie City Engineer Mike McGee refers to as catching a big rabbit, the city of Guthrie now has money to build a wastewater treatment plant.
In a regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday evening, McGee told city council members that the city has been allocated $28 million as a line item in Kentucky’s most recently passed biennial budget.
The monies, which will pass through the KY Infrastructure Authority, may not be received for several months; however, McGee says that the need for a temporary plant remains immediate.
Mayor Jimmy Covington issued an executive order declaring an economic and public health emergency that will allow the city to suspend normal procurement and bid requirements under KY law in its effort to address sewage needs while a permanent facility is being constructed.
In like order, the council voted unanimously to pass a resolution supporting the mayor’s executive order.
In other news, the council voted unanimously to approve a water line extension on Johnson Street in South Guthrie that will ensure water service to 2 new residences under construction there. Developer Calvin Ligon will be responsible for the cost of the 1,000-foot extension.
Guthrie clean-up dates have been scheduled for April 25, 26, and 27 from 7:30 am to 6 pm. No curbside pick-up will be available. All items must be taken to the Guthrie City Dump on Commerce Street. Items that will not be accepted include batteries, paint, construction waste, electronics, tires, trees or limbs, or hazardous materials and chemicals. A fee will be charged for mattresses and appliances.
