WYNNE — Wynne Water Utilities General Manager Blake Marotti is hoping to get an earlier start on the rebuild of the wastewater treatment plant.
Marotti told commissioners Tuesday night that he wants to split up the project and seek bids on the structures not related to the treatment process. Marotti said dividing the project would allow employees at the wastewater treatment to be on site when the rest of the project begins. He said he wants those employees to be as involved in the project as possible, and he wants to use as many local companies as possible.
Marotti said he expects to receive the $7 million earmarked by the state for infrastructure as soon as possible. He added he is also seeking another $2 million in grant funds available through the East Arkansas Planning and Development District. The utility initially requested $9.7 million from the state for the rebuild of the wastewater treatment plant.
Marotti delivered some more good news to commissioners as he reported net income has increased over the past two months. Net income for the past 30 days was just shy of $17,000. Marotti said water usage is up about 386,000 gallons from the previous year, and the number of customers lost following the March 2023 tornado is beginning to shrink. The utility has currently 186 fewer customers than before the storm, having added about 17 customers over the past two months.
Marotti talked about the plans for the open house on the new water office on Falls Boulevard. Marotti said he is working on a punch list before setting a date for the open house. One of the items on that checklist is re-striping the parking lot, a project slated for this weekend. Wynne Water Utilities and Wynne Apothecary are partnering on that project since the two businesses share a parking lot.
Regarding the new water office, Marotti said there have been complaints about how the drive-through dropbox was installed. He said it was planned that way to avoid damage to both the building and vehicles. However, due to complaints, an extension will be put on the dropbox to make it easier for customers.
Finally, Marotti said the south water tower is currently being renovated. The tower is being cleaned and will get a new paint job as part of a maintenance contract.
