SANDPOINT — The city will be hosting a second open house to answer questions about the $130 million wastewater treatment plant bond initiative at City Hall on Saturday at 10 a.m.

The event will follow an identical structure to the first, with Mayor Jeremy Grimm and city staff giving a presentation on the initiative, including why the city is pursuing the bond. Following that, attendees will be able to roam and ask their questions to Grimm or city staff. 

Grimm, Public Works Director Holly Ellis and the facility’s operator Deven Hull were in attendance for the first open house and willing to answer questions on the plant’s current condition and what the bond will replace. 

Ellis said that crucial parts of the facility are 50 years old and far past their useable life and that the plant is critical infrastructure. The $130 million from the bond will allow the city to pursue grants and low interest loans, Ellis said. 

The first open house was sparely attended, with only five members of the public in the audience and able to ask questions.   

The Idaho Conversation League found that the plant violated its discharge permit six times in 2024, an increase from the five violations committed by the plant in 2023.  

More information on the bond and wastewater treatment plant project can be found at sandpoint-wttp.org.