The Napoleon City Council on Oct. 6 passed Resolution 039-25 authorizing the city manager to apply for and accept Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (OEPA) Water Supply Revolving Loan Account (WSRLA) funding for the Maumee River waterline crossing project, and designating a dedicated prepayment source for the loan. Council voted to suspend the rules and act on an emergency basis to meet a program deadline.

Chad, the city engineer, told the council the application is for the design portion of the project only and that the city has used the OEPA WSRLA program for past projects. He said design costs are approximately $436,000 and that historically the program has offered very low interest rates (in his words, "between 0 and less than 1%" for past projects). Chad said the city would apply later for construction funding after plans are complete; if construction bids come in lower than an initial estimate the city would not be required to take the full authorized amount.

Chad said the city was notified of the program deadline in September and requested the emergency suspension to meet the Oct. 15 deadline. Council moved, seconded and approved the suspension and first reading by roll call.

The resolution as approved on Oct. 6 authorizes the city manager to execute the documents necessary to apply for and accept WSRLA funding for the Maumee River crossing design; it does not record any final construction funding authorization in the transcript.