Buckhannon City Council Advances $47.3 Million Water Plant Project and Updates Municipal Insurance

Verified Local Government Report — First-Hand Sources Only
Appalachian Post — December 1, 2025

BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — THE CITY COUNCIL OF BUCKHANNON advanced several major initiatives during its most recent meeting, including key approvals for the city’s new water treatment plant, renewal of municipal insurance, and recognition of a local police officer’s life-saving actions.

According to official project documentation released by THE CITY OF BUCKHANNON, the new water treatment facility carries an estimated total cost of $47.3 million. This figure includes engineering, construction, distribution upgrades, and the replacement of the aging raw-water pipeline. Council approved multiple components necessary to move the project forward, including appointing Steptoe & Johnson as bond counsel, selecting Smith, Cochran & Hicks for the water-rate study and accounting services, and reaffirming Region VII Planning & Development Council as fiscal agent for grant administration and financial oversight.

Council also instructed the city attorney to prepare a proposed water-rate ordinance. No increases are currently approved or in effect. The ordinance must undergo formal readings, public posting, and a council vote before any changes can take effect.

In separate business, Buckhannon renewed its municipal property insurance policy. Updated insured valuations total $25,652,127. Despite the higher valuation, the premium decreased from $52,795 to $48,885 according to the policy report presented to THE CITY COUNCIL.

Council additionally issued a Life-Saving Commendation to Buckhannon Police Officer Cole Bender. According to official statements from THE BUCKHANNON POLICE DEPARTMENT, Officer Bender located and rescued a missing non-verbal autistic toddler who had wandered down a steep hillside. Officials stated that his rapid response directly prevented a fatal outcome.

Holiday preparations were also approved, with Council authorizing up to $12,000 for new LED wreaths and garlands to decorate Main Street. Existing decorations will be reassigned to adjacent streets to expand coverage.

This report includes only information verified through first-hand public records and official government statements. No speculation, no extrapolation, and no commentary are included.

We report only the 100% verifiable facts. No speculation, no narrative shaping, and no interpretation. We present the confirmed information exactly as first-hand sources provide it, allowing the public to decide the meaning for themselves.

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Sources

Primary First-Hand Sources
THE CITY OF BUCKHANNON — “Water Treatment Plant Project Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).”
THE CITY COUNCIL OF BUCKHANNON — Official meeting documentation.
THE BUCKHANNON POLICE DEPARTMENT — Life-Saving Commendation report.

Secondary Attribution-Based Sources (cross-verification only)
The Record Delta / WV News — Council meeting coverage.
My Buckhannon — Local reporting archive.