I must commend the county commissioners for the tactics they used to get the people to sign on to their sewer project. Last fall, they came to us with a high price tag, which scared the daylights out of everyone. Just recently they came back with an estimate that was approximately $4,000-$6,000 (the original estimate was $8,000, plus $2,500 to get old tank demolished and hooked up), but now, we must act on this very quickly because we may never be able to get this great deal again and everyone must sign on!
Some sections of Woodlawn Avenue and Betsy Lane are in compliance with the EPA. Now, some of those folk are wanting to sign on the the sewer because of the new lower price! At the last meeting, some of the folk, who are on the offending common sewer line, were told if they would dig a separate line to the river, they would be in compliance and would avoid the cost of signing on to the new system. If I were in their position, I would jump on that immediately. The cost savings of doing that, over signing up for the sewer with a minimum cost of approximately $20,000-$24,000 (over 20 years), is nothing to"sneeze" at. The commissioners can and will raise the monthly rate ($56 a month) plus raise the "shared" rate because not enough people signed up. I know of several of those who have the option, are going to say, "no, thank you."
I figure that my septic tank cost over 20 years would approximate $2,000, that includes four cleanings, 20 inspections and one new aerator pump. If the complete system needs replacing, maybe $12,000. I am willing to take that "gamble" any day.
Homeowners who are in compliance should think about this when they sign that you want to be at the commissioners' mercy for the next 20 or more years.
Ralph (Arlen) Spires
Belpre
