After months of discussion and research, the county commissioners this morning denied forwarding two petitions to the Lakeland Regional Sewer District.
Petitions from Chapman and Tippecanoe lakes were denied being forwarded to the LRSD.
In a prepared statement, County Commissioner Ron Truex, who represented the commissioners during Leesburg's sewer project and is appointed to the LRSD, said that the best thing is to have as few sewer districts as possible."During our public hearings last month it was obvious that there is a lot of confusion and misunderstanding about the difference between establishing sewer districts and building sewer systems," said Truex. "A major concern was who gets sewers, and why and who will be the representative for those people affected and why can't they be elected officials."
Truex then said a countywide sewer district would be best, adding that over the next few months, the board will look into the formation of such a district. Truex said the board could then be made up of all elected officials.
"Creating a countywide district does not mean you will ever have a sewer system," said Truex on several occasions.
"We can assure everyone that unless mandated by the board of health or IDEM, no one will have a sewer unless a majority of those coming to the board seeking relief support the petition," said Truex.
Truex said only affected homes will be included in building sewers.
"We will deal only with affected homes - not as many homes as possible to reduce the cost to those with a problem," said Truex.
"You will only have a sewer bill if you have a sewer," said Truex.
After Truex addressed the audience, he, along with Commissioners Brad Jackson and Bob Conley, voted to deny petitions from Chapman and Tippecanoe lakes to be forwarded to the LRSD.
While the commissioners work on what is involved in establishing a countywide sewer district, it will not affect the LRSD or the Turkey Creek Regional Sewer District. Even if a countywide sewer district is established, it would have no mandate over the existing sewer districts.
"I'd hope the (two existing districts) join the new countywide board if it comes out," said Truex.
During an executive budget session with the county council, Truex said the estimated income is down a significant amount for the 2010 budget. As a result, the commissioners approved a hiring freeze countywide starting immediately.
The only way a person can be hired or a position can be replaced is if the county council approves it.
"We don't want to become like Chicago where they have to shut down for a day. South Bend is dealing with the same sort of thing," said Commissioner Bob Conley.
Ed Rock, Emergency Management director, said there are three places available in the county to pick up sand and sandbags. Rock said people need to bring their own shovels to put sand in the bags.
Sand and sand bags are available at the Chapman Lake boat ramp, the county highway department and at 206 W. Sycamore St., Silver Lake, which is located behind Metzger Trucking.
Rita Baker, Kosciusko Area Bus Services director, gave the commissioners an update of grants and announced she is retiring. Randy Hall will replace Baker. Hall's employment was approved prior to the hiring freeze.
Conley thanked Baker for her service.
Dennis Pletcher, county highway department, said his crews continue to deal with high water areas in the county and are moving signs around as the flood areas change. Pletcher said that they continue to work on repairing roads damaged by spring flooding.
Conley said the commissioners were contacted by the Census Bureau. The commissioners will team up with census workers to help get an accurate head count for the county.
County Administrator Ron Robinson informed the board of the progress on the courthouse dome. The dome will be painted starting next week.
Robinson also asked for and was granted $200,000 for a cooling system and other hardware to protect the server room at the justice building. The money will go to help protect the equipment as the room can get as hot as 82 degrees.
