Honey firm to help pay for sewer
Staff writer
Barkman Honey and the city of Hillsboro signed off Tuesday on a cost sharing agreement for baffles and aerators needed in the city’s sewer lagoon.
In May 2021, council members learned the lagoon’s sludge layer was 18 inches deep. Engineers said the lagoon needed baffles and aeration to solve the problem.
Barkman agreed to pay a total of $125,028, which is 40% of the project cost, in three annual payments of $41,676.
The portion of the project paid by Barkman is equal to the typical average of wastewater contributed by Barkman.
Under terms of the agreement, Barkman could double its output without having to participate in any further lagoon improvements needed. It doesn’t exempt Barkman from federal, state or city laws regarding their wastewater.
The agreement also dedicates an easement to the city for possible installation of a monitor station.
In other business, council members gave service awards to employees Dale Dalke and Ben Steketee, 15 years; Todd Helmer and Randy Jantz, 20 years; Jessey Hiebert, 25 years; and Joe Alvarez, 35 years.