MANSFIELD — Investment and interest income from a $35 million bond for improvements to Mansfield’s water treatment plant will fund a $1.8 million water well line replacement project.
City Council on Tuesday approved the project to replace a 5,500-foot, 90-year-old cast iron well line from the Brumenshenkel Well Field to the water treatment plant with new ductile iron pipe.
Work to install the 14- to 16-inch water line will begin in July and conclude in June 2026.
City engineer Bob Bianchi proposed the replacement, using revenue generated from the bond issue approved by local lawmakers in 2020.
Finance Director Kelly Blankenship told council the $35 million went into city coffers and was then drawn down as the work was done.
“When the funds aren’t being used, while we’re waiting for them to be spent on the project, we invest them and all of the interest on those funds has to go back into the water fund as additional revenue,” she said.
Bianchi said the city’s wells are vital to its water supply, in addition to the Clear Fork Reservoir.
“We wouldn’t be able to provide the city with water for more than a week without well water,” he said. “It’s vital that we keep those well lines intact and in a condition that they can be reliable.”
He said the current line has broken many times.
“We are thankful the investment that was made has provided funds for this additional work. It’s not an improvement to the water treatment plant per se, but it’s an improvement to the pipe that is vital to the plant,” the engineer said.
Bianchi said replacing the line will ensure the reliability of Brumenshenkel Well Field water distribution system for the next 100 years.
He said a similar replacement could be needed in the future at the city’s Wiles and Treisch well fields with a similar price tag.
“Maybe a grant someday will help us to get that completed,” Bianchi said.
Also on Tuesday, City Council:
— voted to demolish dilapidated structures at 111 Longview Ave., 132 Home Ave., 162 Crouse St., 176 N. Benton St., 417 Greenlee Road and 313 High St.
— approved the final 2025 budget proposed by Mayor Jodie Perry, which includes a 5.2 percent increase in general fund spending over 2024.
— voted to allow the Mansfield Police Department to trade in an antiquated drone camera to Ohio Drone Repair in Akron to help offset the cost of a new camera.
— voted to accept a $5,000 donation from the Richland County Foundation to be used in Liberty Park bath house renovation project.