Paxton saves money after expensive water filter replacements deemed unnecessary

PAXTON, Ill. (WCIA) — The City of Paxton just saved themselves a good chunk of change thanks to a second opinion.

Last week, the water and sewer superintendent did maintenance on the city’s water filter media. The initial look showed the city needed to replace it. It was brought to the board on June 11th. Early estimates say the new filter could run up to $500,000.

The mayor and other city leaders got a second — and third opinion that showed the expensive replacement wasn’t necessary.

“We’re not just going with the first answer that we get. I’m always going to do that second and maybe a third if we don’t get what we’re looking for,” said Mayor Bill Ingold. “And it’s about being frugal. I mean, if we have to spend the money, I get that. But if we don’t have to and we can budget for it over a number of years, it’s a better deal.”

Ingold says the city will have to replace them sometime in the next couple of years. He also says the aldermen on city council have been informed.