SANDPOINT — The city has announced the dates for a pair of open house events and an informational website detailing the city’s proposed $130 million wastewater treatment bond project. 

Sandpoint is hosting two open houses at the City Council chambers, the first Sept. 24 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Oct. 18 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. At these events, citizens will have the chance to get their questions answered by city staff following a presentation about the project, financing options and more. 

The city also launched a website, sandpoint-wwtp.org, which contains information on the project, funding plan and bond.  

“The council’s action ensures that residents will have clear information and a direct say in how the city addresses this challenge,” Mayor Jeremy Grimm said in a Friday press release. “The website provides transparent details on why improvements are needed, what they include, and how they will be financed.” 

Sandpoint City Council is pursuing a full renovation of the city’s wastewater treatment due to the current facility’s age. Sandpoint Public Works Director Holly Ellis told the Daily Bee that much of the equipment and infrastructure at the plant is beyond its useful life. 

The Idaho Conservation League found that the facility violated its permit six times in 2024, one more time than in 2023. ICL’s Central Idaho Director Josh Johnson said that the plant succeeded at maintaining zero pounds of pollutant load over the plant’s limit. 

“We wouldn’t expect those violations to have had a noticeable impact on the local water quality,” Johnson said. “In that case, it’s just making sure that these facilities are following the permits and the law to make sure we don’t have a bigger issue down the road."

The city breaks down the funding plan for the facility, which includes the $130 million bond and other sources like low interest loans and grant. If the bond is successful, the city will be able to leverage outside loans and grants and the increase to utility rates will be approximately 106% over five years. 

The city says regardless of the bond’s outcome, the project will continue and result in steeper and faster increases to sewer rates that could reach approximately 600% over five years. 

“While the cost is significant, delaying improvements carries greater risks, including higher costs over time, potential fines, and harm to the environment,” Grimm writes on the website. “The plant must be rebuilt to continue meeting state and federal permits, prevent pollution, and protect the river and lake we depend on.” 

Information: sandpoint-wwtp.org