Low-interest loan is a boon for city’s ratepayers

When it comes to matters related to sewage, surprises aren’t usually welcome. But Oak Harbor city officials were elated to learn the state approved a $42-million loan to help cover construction costs of the new sewage treatment plant incurred in 2017.

When it comes to matters related to sewage, surprises aren’t usually welcome.

But Oak Harbor city officials were elated to learn the state approved a $42-million loan to help cover construction costs of the new sewage treatment plant incurred in 2017.

The money comes from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, which provides low-cost financing for water quality infrastructure projects.

City Administrator Doug Merriman, who’s also finance director for now, said the low-interest loan will save residents millions over the length of the loans.

The city had estimated it would pay 4 percent interest on bonds; the revolving fund loans are at 1 percent.

In all, the city obtained $73 million in grants and loans for the project. Current estimates range from $91 million to $110 million in construction costs.

Merriman said all the grants and loans combined will save the city $52 million over a 30-year period in which the project is financed.

That will affect the rates sewer customers will have to pay.