Virginia City Council weighs $75.5M investment in water systems, public facilities

Elected officials in Staunton, Virginia, are considering a $75.5 million five-year roadmap for future capital improvements to buildings, facilities, equipment and infrastructure.

The Staunton City Council is set to decide on a proposed capital improvement plan comprised of six funds at a meeting in April.

If approved, the plan would allocate more than $35 million to the general fund, $24 million to the water fund, $7.7 million to the sewer fund, more than $3.7 million to the stormwater fund, $1.3 million to the environmental fund and nearly $3 million to schools.

Planned water-related projects include $2.5 million for Phase 1 of Richmond Avenue Waterline Replacement in 2026, $1.5 million to replace the reservoir lining and cover in 2026, $4.1 million for the Uniontown water extension, $1 million for the Shutterlee Mill Water Tank Inspection and Repainting in 2027 and more than $10 million for Richmond Avenue Waterline Replacement Phase 11 in 2028.

A Parks & Recreation Public Facilities Fund would allow for replacement of the pool house at Gypsy Hill Park pool and improvements to the bathrooms at Gypsy Hill and Montgomery Hall parks, Gypsy Hill Park Pump House and Montgomery Hall Park Pool House.

New reserve funds, designed to save the city money for future projects, will include developing an Affordable Housing fund.

Plans to use reserve funds also include:

• Saving $150,000 per year to eventually relocate the Staunton Police Department.
• Saving $200,000 a year with a goal of accumulating $3 to 4 million to put toward a new roof and additional space for Staunton Fire Station No. 1.
• Saving $60,000 a year to replace 10 golf carts. The goal is to begin by replacing 12 old Yamaha golf carts and up to 52 carts in total. A Parks & Recreation Equipment Reserve would also begin with $100,000 a year to fund replacement of large equipment.
• Allocating $300,000 in 2026, $400,000 in 2027, then three years of $500,000 in 2028-2030 to build new sidewalks.

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henristosch via Wikimedia Commons
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