Collection Building Improvements
The Wastewater Division of the Public Works Department has been seeking to consolidate the Collections Group and their equipment into a single location, outside of the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP), for the past few years. The move is included in the most recent cost of service rate study and is included in the Wastewater Capital Improvements budget.
Currently, the Collections Group occupies four separate buildings at the WWTP and near the Utility Line Division. Consolidating the group’s employees and equipment into a single space will allow the group to operate more efficiently, protect sensitive equipment from the gaseous environment of the WWTP, and place the group in a location that better serves the city.
During the planning process, the Wastewater Division looked at several possibilities including erecting a new building on city-owned property, purchasing property and building a new facility, and purchasing an existing building and modifying it.
After researching building costs and visiting several properties a detailed cost comparison of options was assembled. The results indicated purchasing an existing property and making improvements is the most cost-effective option. As such, Wastewater staff located a property and worked with the owner to negotiate a purchase price. The purchase price includes improvements and is within the budgeted amount Wastewater has allocated.
As an additional benefit, during the discovery process, it was determined that GIPD was also looking for space to relocate personnel and equipment. Partnering together, GIPD and Wastewater were able to split the space to fit both groups’ needs and eliminate unused space. Having offices and storage spaces in western Grand Island is beneficial to both groups.
On July 8, 2025, via Resolution No. 2025-223, City Council approved the purchase of 3836 W US Highway 30 in the amount of $3,910,150.00, which includes improvements to the property to meet the needs of both Wastewater and GIPD staff.