The Leesburg City Commission is set to discuss and potentially vote tonight on whether to proceed with adding fluoride to the city’s water supply. The decision comes with three key options on the table: terminate the contract, pause the project, or proceed as planned.

The project to add fluoride to Leesburg’s water system began earlier this year:

• On January 23, 2024, the City Commission voted to fund the design for $80,590.
• The design was completed, and construction bids were initiated in April 2024.
• On May 28, 2024, the City Commission voted to fund construction for $517,697.
• The contractor received a Notice to Proceed (NTP) on August 5, 2024, but no physical construction has started.
• Much of the equipment for the project is specialized and custom-made, resulting in a delay in mobilization. The contract’s period of performance extends until August 2025.

Tonight’s meeting provides an opportunity for the Commission and residents to weigh the pros and cons of fluoridation as well as decide the project’s future.

The Options for the Commission

1. Terminate the Contract:
   • Pros: Termination avoids fluoridation, recoups approximately $275,000 in non-incurred expenses, and allows $100,000 worth of equipment to be repurposed elsewhere.
   • Cons: The city would lose the $80,000 spent on design and incur about $225,000 in construction costs. Future fluoridation would require re-bidding and additional expenses.
2. Pause the Contract:
   • Pros: Pausing provides time for further deliberation or to monitor potential changes in state and federal regulations. Minimal costs will be incurred while the project is paused.
   • Cons: A delay could open the city to potential contractor claims for costs.
3. Proceed as Planned:
   • Pros: Proceeding ensures fluoridation moves forward without the need to re-bid or incur additional costs.
   • Cons: Potential regulatory changes could impact the project, and the city would not recoup any funds if fluoridation is banned or reversed in the future.

The meeting, scheduled for tonight at 5pm in City Hall, will include a presentation outlining the project’s history, options, and implications. Residents are encouraged to attend and participate in the discussion.