Friday, September 22, 2000
Friday, September 22, 2000 |
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Residents to get glimpse of sewer fees Tuesday By JOHN THOMPSON Tuesday's public hearing in Senoia could turn into a showdown over sewerage as residents learn that they will be forced to pay for sewer service whether they want it or not. During Monday night's council meeting, City Administrator Leonard Thompson explained how phase two of the city's sewerage will work and be funded. The city will learn next month if it has received a rural development loan to pay for the latest phase, which will include all of the historic city and businesses. Under the grant, all residents must hook up to the sewer system. If residents refuse, Thompson said, they will still receive minimum monthly sewer bills. "We have to have the customers so the grant people know we can pay the loan back," Thompson said. Residents will be notified prior to the sewer line running down their street of the impending hook-up and Thompson plans to give the residents a lengthy period to plan for it. While residents will not pay a tap fee if they hook up in the first 90 days, they will still be responsible for running pipe from the city's tap in the right of way to their house. Thompson plans to have three or four contractors lined up to run the pipe and residents can choose the one they want to run the line. The residents also will be responsible for filling in their septic tanks, because environmental laws do not allow the tanks to remain active after sewer is run to the house. All the council members emphasized that residents would need plenty of time to plan for this expense. "It's going to be a burden to a lot of people," said Councilman Bob Hannah. Councilwoman Dianne Cleveland agreed and said people should have longer than 90 days to get everything hooked up. The other council members agreed and said residents could get a 90-day extension by writing a letter to City Hall. Tuesday's public hearing will allow residents to voice their opinions on the council's proposals. The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at City Hall.
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