Cibolo City Council unanimously approved the execution of a regional wastewater treatment contract between CCMA on Sept. 9, which outlines that Cibolo is obligated to pay 45% of the total expansion cost. Of the $8.5 million design cost, the city will contribute $3.83 million over the next 20 years beginning in 2026, according to the approved contract.
Explained
The city of Schertz, Cibolo and CCMA entered into an interlocal partnership to design and construct a new wastewater treatment plant to meet the current and future wastewater treatment needs in August 2014, agenda documents state.
Both cities have agreed to support CCMA in issuing $8.5 million in bonds to cover the design of the expansion, but CCMA will be the agency issuing the debt. Schertz and Cibolo will repay CCMA using revenue from their utility customers.
CCMA provides regional wastewater services for the following Northeast San Antonio areas:
- Schertz
- Cibolo
- Selma
- Randolph Air Force Base
Project details
The estimated total cost of the project is $86.25 million, with construction costs for the plant’s expansion totaling $75 million. Of the $75 million, Cibolo’s share of the cost will be about 45%, or about $33.75 million, according to agenda documents. The plant is currently permitted to treat 0.5 million gallons of water per day, or MGD. The expansion will allow the plant to treat up to 2.5 MGD.
The city of Cibolo would receive an additional 1.13 MGD with the expansion, serving a forecasted 7,258 living units, equivalent to single-family homes, City Manager Wayne Reed said during the Sept. 9 City Council meeting.
CCMA General Manager Clint Ellis said the expansion was requested by the cities of Schertz and Cibolo because of anticipated development, which is driving it.
“We take our responsibilities as stewards of public money very seriously, and we look to provide the best product for the most reasonable price that we can while maintaining a very strict compliance with environmental regulations,” Ellis told Community Impact.
Looking ahead
Construction on the plant is anticipated to begin in March 2029 and be completed in April 2030, Ellis told Community Impact.
