Residents with failing septic systems along a portion of Andersonville Road can now find relief ? and protection for their ground water.
Linda Richardson, director of the Department of Public Work for Independence Township, received approval from the township board on July 5 to establish Individual Special Assessment Districts (ISAD) for those tying into a new low pressure sewer system being installed in the area.
The ISADs allow residents to finance the almost $10,000 in costs for hooking up to the new sewer system. Tying into the low pressure system includes $2,150 for the grinder pump system, $120 for electrical and plumbing permits, and $6,000-$8,000 for installation of system and lead.
Each ISAD is for 15 years at 8 percent interest per year. Residents have until Oct. 1, 2006 to sign-up for an ISAD. Anyone with a failed septic system is required to hook up to the new low pressure system.
Not included in the $10,000 cost is the $2,754 capitol connection fee already covered by ordinance. According to Richardson, township ordinance allows for this amount to be spread over five to 10 years at 8 percent interest.
‘I’m pleased you’re proposing to limit the time for signing-up,? said Treasurer Jim Wenger during the meeting.
Wenger voiced concerns during a previous meeting about ISADs. He asked the question more than once, ‘When does the township cross over and begin acting as a bank??
Before the July 5 vote, Wenger emphasized the magnitude of the proposal. He explained that during tax time, residents participating in the program would see three listings in addition to their normal tax bill: the overall Andersonville Road SAD, the capitol connection charge for the new system and the ISADs for the grinder pumps.
‘This is not a simplistic move we’re considering,? he stated. ‘This is complicated. This will take work.?
In addition, Wenger voiced a concern about allowing the ISADs for 15 years. He questioned the life of the grinder pumps in the system.
Richardson said in her research she found the new sanitary system to last indefinitely; however, the insides of the grinder pumps (for example the seals or the grinding mechanism itself) can wear down.
‘The reason though for making this offer is to expedite the connections to help the environment,? said Richardson. ‘We’re not looking at large amounts of money to keep the system running.?
In addition to allowing the ISADs, the township board also approved moving $500,000 from the sanitary sewer fund into a revolving fund to pay for the new sanitary sewer system. The residents paying the ISADs would then pay back into this revolving fund.
Richardson said the stretch of Andersonville Rd. affected has the potential of 45 homeowners connecting to the system. There are 57 units on the stretch; however, not all lots are developed.
At the meeting, Richardson said she ordered 30 pumps to begin the project.