Like many upstate cities, Auburn's water and sewer system needs upgrades. City councilors and officials will learn this week the extent of those needs and how much they could cost.

A representative from the firm Amawalk Consulting Inc. will present the results of a water and sewer study Thursday during the city council's weekly meeting.

The city hired the New York-based firm in June to evaluate where the city needs to invest in the system, how it charges its customers and surrounding communities for services, and the costs it incurs due to the current system.

Council also passed in June, a resolution authorizing the city to pay the company, which subcontracted to Conestoga-Rovers & Associates Inc. for assistance, $50,000 for the study.

City Manager Mark Palesh said Tuesday that he has invited representatives from surrounding towns and the county government to attend the meeting. Auburn currently supplies water and sewer services to the towns of Aurelius, Fleming, Owasco, Sennett, Throop and the county Water and Sewer Authority.

“I think they might be interested in the extent of the capital plan we really need to put in place,” Palesh said.

Council also passed a resolution last week to work with the towns and county on possibly sharing or consolidating sewer and water services. One idea is to form a regional water and sewer authority of which each party can be part owner.

Palesh said some of the information presented will cover basic upgrades that are needed to meet state Department of Environmental Conservation and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency standards.

“It's just more good information for the towns and city to chew on,” he said.

This study will not be the first service Amawalk has provided for the city. The company conducted a separate $25,000 study last year that evaluated the current water and sewer contracts. Then in April, the city hired Amawalk representative Robert Game to work with and advise city staff on operation of the water treatment, wastewater treatment and hydropower programs.

According to the resolution that approved the decision, Game will make no more than $99,500 for a year of work.

Staff writer Christopher Caskey can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 282 or christopher.caskey@lee.net.

Bond rate cap to go?

Auburn residents will be able to sound off Thursday on a city proposal to eliminate the city's $2.5 million cap on bonds for public utility projects. A public hearing on the local law that would amend the city charter will take place at the beginning of the council meeting.

City Manager Mark Palesh said eliminating the cap will make it easier to undertake environmentally friendly projects. If the city wants to undertake wind or hydroelectric power projects, approving them will take less time and effort without the cap, he said.

If you go

What: Auburn City Council meeting

When: 6 p.m. Thursday

Where: Memorial City Hall, 24 South St.