The Odessa Board of Aldermen approved a contract agreement to begin work on a waterline and a wastewater collection system using American Rescue Plan Act funding during its meeting on Monday, December 16.

The board entered into an agreement with KAT Excavation to begin several projects along 9th Street. City Administrator Shawna Davis says the board is using its ARPA funding to help fund these projects.

The city had just under $1.1 million in ARPA funds that needed to be distributed by the end of the year. The board will also use water reserve funds to help pay for both projects.

Aldermen also heard a presentation regarding a proposed 911 county-wide sales tax that could be on the ballot in April 2025. If approved, the half-cent sales tax would replace the fee on each Lafayette County phone line.

The Lafayette County Commission still has to put the proposal on the ballot in April.