Differences Remain In Securing Company To Replace O&M

Differences between the Board of Public Works and the City of Holden pertaining to the process of securing a company to replace O&M as the city’s water/sewer contractor apparently remain after the most recent meeting of the BPW, Wednesday, Nov. 6.

In the meeting, there were comments from the BPW concerning the latitude of the Holden City Council’s role in the process.

As previously reported, Holden Water Superintendent Tony Lerda has expressed a desire to retire, which would bring about the necessity of replacing his company, O&M Enterprises, LLC., to manage the city’s water and sewer system.

Exactly how that succession process should take place, however, has become a source of debate.

To begin with, The Holden Board of Public Works is a semi-independent subdivision of the City of Holden. It operates as a department within city government, responsible for managing specific public works functions such as infrastructure – in this case, the water and sewer department. Ultimately, though, it falls under the authority of the city council.

Its function focuses on technical aspects of public works projects, making recommendations and overseeing their execution.

While having some autonomy in operations, the board typically reports to the council, but unlike a separate utility company, the BPW, is considered part of the city government.

For the city’s part, in relation to procurement policies, it establishes the principles, processes and procedures for purchasing goods and services. With regard to the BPW, it has the final authority on any …

 

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