Jasper Utilities: Rolling Hills septic issues push city to examine costs to extend sewers
Up to 25 homes in Jasper’s Rolling Hills Subdivision are outside of city limits and running into issues with septic systems.
Although the properties are very close to city limits, homes are not connected to the city’s sanitary sewer system at this time. According to Dubois County Health Department Environmental Health Specialist Shawn Werner, since the septic systems are no longer effective in the area, those residents have few options available except to connect to city services.
“We have one individual, she’s not even able to use her house right now because she doesn’t have a functioning system,” Werner said about a resident he reported had vacated her home voluntarily.
Wastewater Manager Ed Hollinden held a special meeting with the residents in the area recently to discuss options and hear their concerns. During that meeting, the homeowners expressed concerns about the cost to have the city extend sanitary sewer services.
Board member Wayne Schuetter told the board the topography was difficult in the area. “If you are not familiar with the Rolling Hills, to say it is hilly is an understatement,” he said. “We have a lot of questions out there about how the system will be put together before we have any costs.”
He added that the city would not be paying for the extension of services to the area. “This would be a bond, similar to what we did with the Whoderville gas project, where all the residents that hook in would be paying the debt service over 20 years,” Schuetter said.
The costs of the survey and engineering could be rolled into the bond as well, he added.
The board wondered about the city annexing the area but was reminded by City Attorney Renee Kabrick the process could be arduous if 100 percent of the residents were not in favor of it. “It is a little more complicated,” Kabrick said. “We have to determine how many are for it or against it. There is more public outreach and we have to provide more opportunity for remonstrance.”
The city could extend the service without the annexation but the hookup cost is more expensive for homes outside of city limits than those in city limits; $2,800 compared to $800. Plus, homes outside city limits using the wastewater services will have a 25 percent surcharge added to their wastewater bill. Hollinden said this amount to about $8 per month for the average customer.
To begin the process to estimate the cost to extend service into the area, Hollinden requested approval to have surveying and topographical mapping completed. He asked the board to approve a contract not to exceed $7,500 for the work, and they did so unanimously.
The board also heard the following:
-Heard from Electric Commissioner Schuetter that Utility Manager Bud Hauersperger is investigating grant opportunities to assist with demolishing the power plant.
-Approved Water and Gas Manager Tim Doersam to advertise for the open position of a distribution mechanic to replace an employee who recently left for another position.
-Heard Darin Kemp was promoted to water filtration plant foreman. He replaces Doersam, who was hired as the new Gas and Water Manager. Along with Kemp’s promotion, the board approved Doersam seeking to fill Kemp’s position as plant maintenance mechanic by promoting from within the department.
-Approved a contract with JRM Environment of Brownsburg, Ind. to complete a study of the wastewater plant’s local load limits. This is a required inspection that must be completed every five years. The cost of the study is not to exceed $16,000.
-Reminded customers that American Water Resources, a company advertising about waterline insurance, is not endorsed by the City of Jasper. Chairman Rick Stradtner commented this was the second time this year the company had mailed advertisements to Jasper residents.
-Approved the final payment of $9,500 to Krempp Construction for the work on the Beaver Lake Dam. Doersam stated the water level back is up to what it was before the spillway replacement project.
