BYRON — The Byron City Council Wednesday night approved sending the Wastewater Treatment Plant project out for bids after receiving cost opinions from Fehr Graham, which estimated the project at just under $27 million. The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has approved up to $30 million for the project. Public Works Director Aaron Vincer said the city should proceed to bid to see what real-world pricing will look like. City Engineer Jason Stoll cautioned that fluctuations in the market could affect final costs, but said additional funding could be requested from the IEPA if bids come in higher than expected. Byron began evaluating the project in 2022. Officials expect bids by the end of the year, with construction possibly starting in spring 2026. The project is expected to take about two years to build, with full operation likely within three. The project was approved for bidding by both the Byron Community Services Committee and the City Council.
Council members also discussed disposing of old public works fuel tanks as the department completes its move to the new building. Vincer said the two single-wall, above-ground 1,000-gallon tanks cannot be used by another municipality. The council approved disposal of the tanks and other surplus items as part of the move.
The city’s wood chipper also requires attention. The used unit previously purchased has worn drum bearings and other parts. Vincer said refurbishing it over the winter would cost about $30,000, compared with $50,000 or more for a used unit and $100,000 for a new one. The refurbishment will be included in next year’s budget.
Fehr Graham helped the city secure a $30,000 EPA grant with no matching requirement. Stoll said the funds will be used to assess system capacity and explore expansion possibilities. The city is also considering grants for sewage flow meters to detect inefficiencies caused by rainwater infiltration or broken pipes, since the new plant will handle significantly more sewage. Further discussion on these initiatives is expected in November.
Constellation has requested to connect to Byron’s sewer system. The matter is under legal review as city and company attorneys work on an agreement.
Street improvement projects are progressing. Most curbs and sidewalks are complete, and paving is expected to begin next week after grinding and milling are finished. City Engineer Stoll said the street program should be completed within two to three weeks.
Byron Police Chief Jeremy Boehle said the department’s new squad car will be outfitted with graphics and equipment and should be operational by the end of the year.