Water a recurring topic for Follansbee Council

Follansbee Mayor Scott McMahon announced a significant setback during the council meeting when the lowest bid for a vital water project reached $9. 5 million, surpassing the allocated $4 million budget. The Army Corps of Engineers, responsible for overseeing the project, will select a contractor with the city contributing $1 million toward the costs. City Manager Chris Manack-Stover clarified that recent service disruptions were caused by ongoing sewer line replacements and aging water infrastructure. The council also discussed financial challenges, revealing that the city’s swimming pool and park face a total deficit of approximately $161,225, prompting suggestions for operational changes.

Schwertfeger proposed limiting pool hours to Thursdays through Sundays to manage costs while exploring potential funding sources for improvements. The council is pursuing grants, including a federal Land and Water Conservation grant, to enhance the pool facilities. Additionally, the city seeks to comply with state regulations by appointing an engineer to the sewer board. The local community remains engaged in discussions about the future of water infrastructure and recreational facilities.