LIBERTY — At its meeting on Monday, October 6, the Liberty Town Board discussed concerns over the town’s aging wastewater treatment clarifier, a crucial component in the water filtration process. 

The discussion centered around whether to repair or replace the decades old equipment after inspections revealed potential additional damage caused by anchoring problems.

Early estimates place the repairs at roughly $60,000. However, replacing the clarifier entirely could cost $150,000 once full extent of damage, equipment needs and labor costs are factored in. 

Board members acknowledged that while replacement would be more expensive upfront, it might offer a longer-term solution with fewer maintenance concerns.

A key topic of debate was who should oversea the bid specifications, the detailed engineering documents that must be prepared before the project can be put out to bid. Delaware Engineering, which has worked on prior infrastructure projects for the town, was mentioned as a potential choice. However, several board members expressed hesitation due to the firm’s high costs and past budget overruns. The board agreed that cost efficiency and clear project oversight would be essential moving forward.

Other major points of discussion included project warranties, maintenance schedules once repairs are completed, the timeline for putting the project out to bid and the potential for unseen expenses. 

Board members noted additional research would be needed to better understand the clarifier’s current condition to evaluate which option would be a better fit. Although, it was emphasized that the urgency of addressing the issue, noting that a failing clarifier could escalate into an emergency. The conversation also expressed the concern for a need for a dedicated capital reserve for such situations.

In the end the board voted to table the issue pending more information on the clarifier’s condition and possible engineering approaches become available before making a final decision on how to proceed.