Since bidding opened for the Lakeland Regional Sewer District ’s multi-million dollar sewage wastewater treatment facility, it has been a series of headaches for board members. LRSD is required to accept the lowest, most responsible bid. Following these guidelines, LRSD bids still came in $4.1 million over budget.

Board members, along with LRSD’s legal team, began the grueling process of applying for the money through the USDA. The board and its lawyers have worked with USDA divisions in both Columbia City and Indianapolis to find a solution.

Recently, the board began to receive mixed responses from the USDA. Casey Erwin of DLZ Architects, Engineers, Planners, Surveyors, read comments made by USDA engineers to the board in regards to the project.

“We have done everything we can do,” stated Erwin. One comment essentially told the board and engineers of LRSD to find a new way to design the treatment facility in order to cut costs. “This came way out of left field,” said legal adviser Andy Boxberger, “I feel like maybe there is a disconnect.”

Board members agreed there may, indeed, be a disconnect on their project ideas, and those of the engineers employed by the USDA. Board member Bob Sanders interrupted discussion of disconnect to address the issue directly.

Sanders proposed board members meet with various levels of engineers and USDA employees in order to establish exactly what the project needs in order to receive the additional funding. “I’m making a motion to send people down there,” said Sanders. “I make a motion that we do whatever we need to keep our ducks in a row.”

The board agreed that meeting with USDA officials in Indianapolis would be the best course of action. Boxberger noted he would make contact with several of the officials to help arrange the meeting. Once the motion passed, board members agreed all other items on the agenda could be tabled, with Sanders referencing their project being at a stand-still.

If the board cannot acquire the additional funding for the project, LRSD will have to file bankruptcy for the money already spent. LRSD has no assets yet, and has used up almost all of the money loaned to them by Lake City Bank in legal fees and engineering.