City plant to get upgrade

Total cost of the project is $346,300, with $179,000 of that coming from the state revolving loan fund and $167,300 from the city’s sewage fund.

Included in that amount is $21,300 for engineering work by engineering firm Jones and Henry, Fort Wayne, which submitted the low quote on the project.

Dues said he estimates a six-year payback in cost savings at the plant.

Geesaman said city officials consulted with a number of other municipalities when researching the screw press system.

“This is the way to go,” the mayor said.

In other business Thursday, the board of works:

•Approved hiring Andy Landon Excavating, Portland, to demolish a blighted property at 204 E. High St. “The property owners came in and signed it over to us,” said Geesaman. Landon’s quote of $11,800 was the lower of two submitted. TJ’s Concrete, Portland, quoted a price of $16,200.

Geesaman said he expects work on the razing of the house to begin this month.

•Opened petroleum quotes from Portland Motor Parts, AgBest Coop of Muncie, G&G Oil of Muncie and Harvestland Coop of Richmond.

Those bids were taken under advisement until the next board of works meeting. Geesaman noted that no quotes were received for gasoline, and those will be sought.