IRON MOUNTAIN — Bids will be opened June 23 on water and sewer improvements in Iron Mountain that carry an estimated price tag of more than $19 million.

The water portion is funded through a $10.64 million loan at 2% interest from Michigan’s Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, plus a $2.666 million grant from the same source. The work chiefly involves water main and service line replacements in the areas of West A, West Hughitt and East C streets.

The city wants to replace sewer infrastructure while the streets are torn up for the water project but financing for that portion is less certain. A low-interest loan is being sought through USDA Rural Development, but it’s not known when a decision will come through.

The sewer portion of the project has been roughly estimated at $6 million by Coleman Engineering of Iron Mountain, the project engineer. About 425 lead service lines are expected to be replaced in the water portion.

The city council Monday scheduled a special meeting for 4 p.m. June 23 to open the bids. The bidding schedule is set by terms of the DWSRF funding awarded through the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, City Manager Jordan Stanchina explained.

Once a potential cost is known, the city may make further decisions on financing.

In other action, the council:

— Will offer a letter of support to the Dickinson County Road Commission’s application for a Michigan Transportation Alternatives Program grant to widen the paved shoulders on Pine Mountain Road to improve safety for walkers and bicyclists.

— Heard a presentation from Dr. Nerita Hughes, president of Bay College, on the Aug. 5 millage renewal vote for the college. Bay is seeking a 20-year renewal of 0.9987 mills in Dickinson County, or just less than $1 per $1,000 of taxable value. It would generate an estimated $1.2 million when first levied in 2027, according to the ballot language. Bay’s Iron Mountain campus was built in 2006 and the county currently has about 460 degree-seeking students enrolled.

— Accepted a request from GFL Environmental to change the garbage collection schedule from the current four days per week cycle to three days. It would save the city about $5,000 annually. A contract change will be prepared and presented to the council for approval.

— Approved paying $5,547 in Michigan Municipal League annual membership dues, an increase of 3.1%. The league advocates for local issues at the state level. It also offers training and education through seminars and conferences.

— Agreed to start billing garbage-only accounts on a semi-annual basis, instead of bimonthly. There are 57 such accounts in residential areas that have no city-supplied water or sewer services. Garbage billing totals $60.60 annually.

— Authorized a city contribution of $1,500 toward the annual Independence Day fireworks display sponsored by Sons of the American Legion Post 50. The budget for this year’s program is about $19,000, according to Michael Laydon, the fireworks chairman.