Minnesota Success Stories
Financing preparation
Where: Argyle, located in the northwestern corner of Minnesota.
Problem: Failing water and sewer mains.
Solution: Assistance with documentation and financing applications to reline or replace water and sewer mains.
Argyle, Minn., has a population of 657 and is located in the northwest corner of the state. Argyle’s water and sewer mains are about 40 years old, in poor shape, and serve approximately 300 homes and businesses.
The city has high infiltration and inflow rates during heavy rains, which cause issues at the wastewater treatment facility. The water mains need relining or replacement and pose serious health risks and compliance issues if not addressed soon.
In October 2008, MAP contacted Argyle’s city clerk to offer help with completing its applications. MAP worked with the city to complete the request for proposal, scope of work and request for qualification forms required to inform engineers about bid proposals and to hire for the infrastructure projects.
To be eligible for USDA RD financing, the city also needed to restructure its budget based on city funds. MAP staff recommended meeting with the utilities superintendent to review and assist with this process, given the position’s oversight responsibilities on expenditures.
MAP staff created a spreadsheet allotting time spent by water, wastewater, gas, refuse and general funds, etc., so the city could pay its employee based on the appropriate project and from the corresponding fund. MAP and the city clerk created a new timesheet for city employees to track hours.
Currently, the city and a newly hired engineering firm are working on a preliminary engineering report for the city’s infrastructure projects. The city clerk also is using the spreadsheet MAP staff constructed to estimate city personnel’s percent time allotment allowing for on-site oversight of the payroll.
For more information, contact:
Phone: 952-758-4334
Fax: 952-758-4336
E-mail: map@map-inc.org
MAP is a member of the RCAP network and an equal-opportunity lender, provider and employer.