Sewer project going forward
By DAVE GOSSETT, staff writerSTEUBENVILLE - Faced with the prospect of litigation, the Jefferson County commissioners announced Thursday a timeline to complete the Crestview-Belvedere sewer project will be determined by Jan. 31.
The commissioners met in executive session with two representatives from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency for nearly an hour Thursday.
The private meeting was requested by the OEPA representatives, "to discuss potential litigation."
"The Crestview-Belvedere sewer project will be proceeding with funding still to be determined. It is the position of this board that this project will now move forward," announced Commissioner Thomas Graham.
"We want to thank the OEPA for their patience. But they have put us on notice that a lack of activity will result in pushing the issue to the state attorney general," noted commission president David Maple.
The commissioners have been under an OEPA order since 1988 to install sewers in the areas because of faulty septic systems.
The announcement came as welcome news for Crestview resident Fran Rensi, who said Thursday she still has concerns about funding for the project.
"Bob Allen of the Rural County Assistance Program has been working with us to find funding to help pay for the sewer project.
"He along with all of the residents in the affected area should be part of the discussions on how this project will be funded," stated Rensi.
"If this project had been done years ago when it was first suggested, it wouldn't have cost us as much.
"I am concerned if the residents will have to pay for the entire system including future potential development. Anyone who develops land in that area should also pay for the sewer project," said Rensi.
One source of funding for the multi-million dollar project is the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
But the USDA has told the commissioners the department wants to guarantee repayment of the loan and is asking the county to increase minimum sewer rates from $30 to about $44.
Jack Gilmore, county sanitary engineer, also has requested a rate hike for all county water and sewer projects to help pay for the project.
Gilmore has said the USDA grant and loan package will pay for three quarters of the sewer project.
David Douglas, USDA community programs director in Columbus, said in September if Jefferson County doesn't commit to the loan and grant by the end of the year, the money will be given to another community. The county then will have to wait for future funding, and Douglas said that may delay the project a year or two.
But Graham indicated Thursday he is opposed to a rate hike and said he will "ask for a meeting in the near future," to discuss funding options.
"The USDA says we can obtain a $2.5 million grant and a $5 million loan but we have to raise rates to pay the loan back on their schedule. That is huge increase to put on sewer customers, and I won't support it," Graham said.
But he also admitted Thursday the commissioners are "now caught in a box."
"I hope all concerned parties can meet before the end of December to try and reach a compromise. The bottom line is we have to move forward or face potential legal action. We have exhausted every single funding source.
"I just hope we can find a reasonable solution," Graham continued.
He noted residents in the Crestview-Belvedere area are facing potential assessments of $20,000 to install sewers to their residences, and the county will have to pay for the main sewer lines.
Gilmore had said the USDA grant and loan will mean that assessment will drop to approximately $6,500.
(Gossett can be contacted at dgossett@heraldstaronline.com.)
