Matt Zarbo from the Buffalo-based Square Engineering Company presented three options to the Bemus Point Board of Education on Monday night. The options involve replacing, repairing, or upgrading the aging and worn-out Wastewater Treatment Plant. The meeting took place at Bemus Point Elementary School.. P-J photo by Christopher Blakeslee

BEMUS POINT – The Bemus Point Central School District’s Board of Education has been presented three options for replacing or repairing its aging water treatment plant.

The Board of Education was briefed at Monday night’s meeting by Matt Zarbo from Buffalo-based Square Engineering at Bemus Point Elementary School. Zarbo presented the board with three viable options for acquiring or rebuilding the existing water treatment plant.

The available options feature a tiered pricing structure; however, obtaining approval or support from other government agencies may be required. It’s important to note that each option has its own strengths and weaknesses, which should be carefully considered, briefed Zarbo.

Option One, Connect to the County-School District led, would cost $1,714,000 while the section option, connecting to the county in a county-led project, would cost $2,783,00. The third option is repairing the aging current equipment and plant, $31,00 if the parts can be found. Replacing the existing unit would cost $3,609,914 (provided parts could be found) adding a total project price of $1,721,000 – said Zarbo.

“Each plan has its own advantages and disadvantages,” he explained. “If option two was chosen, it would necessitate a vote of 50% or more of residents. However, the county would benefit from more favorable rates, such as a 0% interest rate. The catch is that all homeowners along the sewage line would need to connect, which would incur costs ranging from three to five thousand dollars per homeowner. On the other hand, if option one, led by the school district, was selected – there would be no requirement for tie-ins. Nevertheless, the school would incur an interest fee of approximately 4%.”

Zarbo said that with both options, there is the possibility of grants being used to cover some of the cost of the infrastructure setup.

“The district is projected to secure between 25% and 50% of its funding from grant sources,” he stated confidently. “Regardless of the path we take, it is crucial that the wastewater treatment plant undergoes necessary upgrades and repairs.”

Zarbo recommended that the school district pursue the county-led option. However, homeowners would be required to connect to the new lines and also disconnect from their existing septic tank systems. This change would result in an additional annual maintenance fee of approximately $354, in addition to any other costs that the county may impose.Zarbo confidently asserts that individuals classified as low-income, seniors, or Section 8 qualified are likely eligible for funding of the connection fees through various governmental programs.