Sewer Project Nears Reality

The Tennessean published a short article on our sewer project:

Friday, 06/22/07
Sewer project nears reality
Most easements granted, but some Grassland residents oppose cost

By MITCHELL KLINE
Staff Writer

GRASSLAND COMMUNITY — A plan to bring sewer service to Grassland homes with failing septic systems is moving forward.

Last week, the county acquired more than 60 percent of the easements needed to build a low-pressure sewer line that could serve about 455 homes in the area. County leaders had set a July 1 deadline to get that many easements or the project could have been canceled.


"We were having a problem in that this had gone on for many years," said John Lackey, chairman of the Williamson County Water and Wastewater Authority. "The cost of doing the project was escalating and we said we either have to go on and do the project or not do it."

The county still must acquire both temporary and permanent easements before construction can begin. It seems likely that eminent domain will be used to get what some property owners have refused to give.

Kristi Earwood, county attorney for planning and environment, said she has to meet with county officials to determine what, if any, legal action to take.

"I need to sit down with my clients and say there are still about 40 percent of the easements," Earwood said. "Right now I don't have the authority of using eminent domain. If the county wants to go in the direction of eminent domain, they'll have to tell me that."

Some oppose plan

There are Grassland homeowners who oppose the project, mostly because they are being forced to pay close to $4,000 whether they use the sewer line or not.

County commissioners voted in 2004 to pay up to $1.7 million to build the sewer line, provided that homeowners pay it back over 20 years. The latest per-home cost estimate is $3,956, or about $25 per month for 20 years. Homeowners would have to pay an additional $3,000 to hook on to the line, purchase a grinder pump and have their septic systems crushed or filled in. That could end up costing more than $9,000. The sewage will be pumped to and treated by the Lynnwood Utility District. Residents have seven years to connect to the line.

"It's doesn't make sense," said Ernest Haskins, who has lived in Hillsboro Acres since 1975. "I'm opposed to it totally. They never would consider it until they found a way to make the homeowners pay for it."

Haskins said he and many other Grassland residents don't need the sewer line and shouldn't be forced to pay for it.

"I've paid enough in taxes since I've been here to pay for the system many time over," Haskins said. "What the county should have done and what it should do now is put the system in and let us pay our tap fee if we want to hook on."

Neighbors organize efforts

Mike Felts is in favor of the project. He's lived in Hillsboro Acres for 19 years and said he spent "thousands" on septic repairs. He believes the sewer line will improve property values and doesn't see the cost as unreasonable.

"I think a number of people, once they see we've reached 60 percent, will join in," Felts said. "The county is not forcing anybody to hook onto the sewer line. Those not having problems don't have to hook on, but if they ever need to it's there."

Jim Colella, who's lived in the Meadowgreen subdivision since 1995, started an online blog in support of project. He and several other Grassland residents have gotten themselves organized and are working on different fronts. Some have gone door-to-door to encourage people to grant the county easements to build the sewer line. Others are gearing up to negotiate with companies that supply grinder pumps, and crush septic systems.

"The thrust has come from us becoming organized," said Colella. "Prior to this organization, there were a handful of individuals working in fractured, disjointed efforts. It wasn't until we got organized that we got traction."

The project marks the first time Williamson County has gotten involved in building a sewer line. It's a project that has been discussed for at least five years.

County Commissioner Jack Walton, who represents part of the Grassland area, said he never dreamed the project would take as long as it has. He said there are residents in dire need of the sewer line because they can't take showers or do laundry in their homes.

"It has taken longer than I thought it would," Walton said. "I use the analogy of driving to Memphis. If you've never been, you just don't know what to expect."

Rogers Anderson Offers Congratulations

Rogers Anderson, Williamson County Mayor, wrote a nice letter to offer his sincere appreciation and congratulations for all of our hard work getting the Grassland Sewer Project approved.

We are well on our way to the successful implementation of this project, the fruit of which will benefit residents, homeowners and larger community for a very long time.

Congratulations!

GOAL ACHIEVED!

Great news for all of the supporters of the Grassland Sewer Project! We have exceeded our goal of 60% on both temporary and permanent easements.

Simply stated, the project has been approved. Congratulations!