Aurora Takes Water Tower Search Back to the Industrial Park as Grant Deadlines Loom

Soil Testing Comes First Aurora is taking another look at the industrial park for its new water tower. City Council on Monday, Oct. 26, approved a $32,619.35 contract with DLZ Ohio Inc. for geotechnical exploration at a possible alternate site there. Ordinance 2026-164 passed on first reading as an emergency so the work can be completed as soon as possible. The money comes from the city’s Water Capital Fund. No council member voted against it. Why the City Is Changing Course Public Service Director Harry Stark told council the current tower design places it near Sunny Lake Park. The industrial park was always the preferred spot. The city’s South water tower already stands in the industrial park. Stark said it will be torn down once the new tower is built. For several years, the city could not find anyone in the industrial park willing to sell land or grant easements. That changed recently. Stark said two property owners in the industrial area are now willing to work with the city. Higher Ground Means a Shorter Tower Council member Sarah Grdina Gilmore asked why the city was looking again. Stark said the industrial park sits higher than most of the city. Water towers use pressure to move water through the system. The lower the ground, the taller a tower must be, and height drives up cost. Stark said the average height difference between the two sites is 40 feet, which is significant for a concrete tower. Soil was another factor. Stark said ground at the Sunny Lake location was soft in areas, which required a stronger support structure. Testing Before Buying One council member thanked Stark for not giving up on the industrial park, calling it the best location. The council member asked whether the soil work had to happen before the city buys land. Stark said yes. The testing is part of the city’s due diligence. “We’re not going to build a tower in an area that has unsuitable soil,” he said. Stark confirmed the land under consideration is available for the city to purchase. Grants and Deadlines Drive the Timeline Council member Ralph Ware asked how urgent the work is. Stark said the city is in a time crunch. The project costs about $7.5 million. Aurora received a $400,000 grant from the State of Ohio and has a loan through the Ohio EPA, and both come with deadlines. Stark said the city risks losing money if it does not keep moving. He wants the soil testing done before the weather changes. After that, several steps remain: Buying the property, which could take several months Modifying the tower design for the new site Getting the Ohio EPA permit to install reapproved Asking the Ohio Public Works Commission to approve moving the grant to the new location “There is a lot that has to be done in order to get this moving forward,” Stark said. Frequently Asked Questions Where is Aurora planning to build its new water tower? Aurora is testing soil at a possible site in the industrial park. The earlier design placed the tower near Sunny Lake Park. Why does Aurora prefer the industrial park for the water tower? The industrial park sits higher than most of the city, so the tower would not need to be as tall. The city says the average height difference is 40 feet, and a shorter tower costs less to build. What happens to Aurora’s South water tower? The South tower in the industrial park will be torn down once the new tower is built. How much does the Aurora water tower project cost? The project is estimated at about $7.5 million. It is supported by a $400,000 state grant and an Ohio EPA loan. How much is Aurora paying for the water tower soil testing? Council approved $32,619.35 for DLZ Ohio Inc. to perform geotechnical exploration, paid from the Water Capital Fund.