Centerville officials have tentatively secured a forgivable loan of up to $5 million toward wastewater improvements if they can meet a key deadline.
Dan Wandersee, council president, said a recent meeting with Indiana Finance Authority staff about the possibility of obtaining a State Revolving Fund loan went “extremely well.”
While pleased with that development, at council’s Tuesday, July 28, work session, he said town leaders are now “under a lot of pressure” to meet Indiana’s required timeline to secure the loan.
Wandersee said Indiana won’t be offering this opportunity again as funding cuts loom.
“This is a one-time shot that we really need to take advantage of,” Wandersee said.
Wandersee provided councilors with a tight timeline for project preparations. Bids must be opened for the work by Jan. 21.
Centerville has a $5 million bond that’s coming off, so timing aligns to take on the new project, Wandersee said.
At council’s July 14 meeting, town manager Kevin Slick said the estimated $5.873 million improvements would include lining the town’s oldest sewer pipes and laterals on the southeast side, standardizing lift station controls, and adding an ultraviolet treatment basin.
Councilors unanimously approved three related items to get preparations underway:
- An agreement with Lochmueller Group to start engineering
- A resolution to issue sewage works revenue bonds and bond anticipation notes
- A fee agreement for related services from town attorney Ed Martin and outside bond counsel.
In other business
- Centerville will pursue Indiana’s Community Crossings roadwork matching grant. A&Z Engineering estimated improving College Corner Road from McMinn to Morton Avenue will cost $190,175, although that likely will decrease in final designs. Council approved an agreement with A&Z to begin designing to prepare for when grant applications open.
- An ordinance to adopt floodplain management regulations advanced to second reading at council’s next meeting. Centerville’s ordinance is now out of compliance after Federal Emergency Management Agency changes. The public is invited to the 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, meeting at town hall, 220 E. Main St.
- Council is monitoring Interstate 70 construction, noting more traffic is being diverted to Centerville Road during lane restrictions. Between July 24-27, eastbound I-70 was to be reduced to one lane from Brick Church Road and Centerville Road.
Wandersee said he’s learned the westbound on-ramp at Centerville Road will be closed for a year starting Jan. 1, and the eastbound ramp will be closed for three months at an undetermined date.
Councilor Jack Bodiker raised concerns for nearby businesses during the lengthy ramp shutdown, including Warm Glow Candle Outlet and Dairy Queen.
Slick said Indiana’s $42 million new rest stop under construction is still scheduled to open early next year, but closing the ramps would limit access to the facility near westbound mile marker 143.
- Councilors were invited to attend an Aug. 4 exit conference with auditors reviewing town finances.
- Centerville’s plan commission meets at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 19, at 220 E. Main St. The public is invited.
- Preparations are underway for the Aug. 28-29 Archway Days festival.
A version of this article appeared in the August 5 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.
