Marshall Authorizes Nearly $800,000 for Lead Line Replacements and Route 1 Utility Projects

City of Marshall City Council Meeting | February 23, 2026

Article Summary: The Marshall City Council approved massive investments in local utility infrastructure on Monday, authorizing over $435,000 for lead service line replacements and a $350,000 materials expenditure for the Route 1/CSX project.

Marshall Utility Project Key Points:

• A $435,284.33 loan disbursement was approved to fund the city’s ongoing Lead Service Line Replacement initiative.

• The council authorized up to $350,000.00 for material quotes from Wesco and United Utility Supply to support the Route 1/CSX utility project.

• Ordinance 2026-O-04 was adopted to amend gas service rates and establish policies for fees in lieu of taxes.

The Marshall City Council on Monday, February 23, 2026, greenlit nearly $800,000 in critical utility infrastructure spending, advancing major service line overhauls and route upgrades while also updating the city’s utility billing policies.

The largest financial authorization of the evening was aimed at the city’s water infrastructure. Following a motion by Smitley and a second by King, the council unanimously approved Lead Service Line Replacement Loan Disbursement #7. The disbursement, totaling $435,284.33, will continue to fund the mandated removal and replacement of aging lead water lines throughout the municipality.

The council also authorized heavy spending to support the Route 1/CSX project. Smitley offered a motion, seconded by LeFever, to approve combined quotes from Wesco and United Utility Supply. The council established a collective spending cap for the quotes, passing a measure not to exceed $350,000.00 for the project materials.

In addition to the infrastructure expenditures, the council also updated the legislative framework guiding the city’s utility services. LeFever made a motion, seconded by Smitley, to adopt Ordinance 2026-O-04. The ordinance officially amends Chapter 86 (Utilities) of the municipal code, specifically Article 3, which governs gas services. The legislation updates Section 86-86 regarding utility rates, and establishes Section 86-8 as a policy statement concerning a “Fee in Lieu of Taxes.” The ordinance passed on a unanimous roll call.