Strategic Management of Water and Wastewater Systems with Hayden’s Town Manager

Small towns run aging water and sewer systems on tight budgets. In this Engineers for Communities episode, we talk with Mathew Mendisco, town manager of the Town of Hayden, Colorado, about planning, funding and managing water and wastewater infrastructure. His advice is for engineers, city officials and developers who plan, fund and manage water and wastewater projects in small communities.

Guest

Mathew Mendisco, Town Manager, Town of Hayden, Colorado.

In this episode

• Funding and aging systems: the main challenges small communities face, and why they need planning and creative financing to keep water and sewer systems in good shape.
• Capital improvement planning (CIP): how a well-run CIP helps a town set investment priorities and manage resources over the long term.
• Who does what: the roles operators, engineers and city managers play in daily operation and oversight.
• Capital Improvement Funds: how keeping capital investment separate from the operating budget adds financial flexibility and improves access to grants.
• Grants and asset care: how Hayden has secured over $10 million in grant funding through partnerships, project management and a close read of grant requirements, and why regular system assessments extend the life of town assets.

Planning a water or sewer project and looking for funding? See how MES approaches project funding.