Wausau Water Works
WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) — The Completion of Wausau’s new drinking water treatment plant is delayed.
Director of Public Works Eric Lindman says there have been some significant delays in the completion of the facility, meaning the water won’t start flowing until at least late September.
“It’s gotten to the point where we are in a construction delay now,” said Lindman. “This is a two-year construction project. Right now we are [about] a month behind. That’s not unusual for this size of a project.”
Representatives from Miron Construction said they’ve already completed what they would call the “fluff” part of the schedule, and with supply chain issues and other backlogs there’s no guarantee that they can get the right parts promptly. Those who addressed the commission said two years ago they may have been able to get parts in a day or two with a single phone call, but these days that’s not the case.
“We’ve just been dealt this hand of not being able to get certain things,” said representatives from Miron.
Lindman adds that there are also extensive tests that need to be done before the water can start flowing to customers. “Everything has to be operational and signed off by the DNR. All of these processes need to be working.
“This is extremely important. This needs to be safe drinking water going out to the community,” added Lindman.
He also told the commission that they have retained some payments to Miron because of the delay.
At this time there’s no specific target date for when the plant will begin servicing customers.
STAFFING SHORTAGE CRITICAL
Lindman also asked the Commission to consider a bump in pay for employees, calling their staffing situation critical.
Lindman says their pay rate is “not even close to competitive” with other utilities, which presents a problem because of the regulatory standards they must meet to provide safe drinking water to customers.
According to Tuesday’s agenda packet, Lindman is looking for a pay bump for most employees of between 3 and 4.5 percent. He says that would help retain the employees they have while exploring other ways to bring the utility up to adequate staffing. He knows requesting this for just one city department could be problematic for others in the city, but he says if their current pattern continues they are in danger of failing customers.
“From where I’m sitting as the Director, I understand there will be some friction with the other divisions. But I also know how important it is to maintain the utility. We have requirements that we have to meet, and right now we are in jeopardy of not meeting those,” said Lindman.
The commission requested more information and time to digest the request. Chair Katie Rosenberg did leave open the possibility of a special meeting to discuss the issue.
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