Public hearings address sewer transfer, transportation plan

Summary

Public Utilities District says sewer rates will not rise next year as it takes over management of the county sewer system.

Story Published: Nov 17, 2009 at 8:37 AM PST

Story Updated: Nov 17, 2009 at 8:37 AM PST

ASOTIN – There were two public hearings at the Asotin County Commissioners meeting Monday morning.

The county discussed the six-year transportation plan. Several road and bridge projects are on the county's to do list, including repaving Southway Bridge and paving the gravel portion of Snake River Road.

Public Works Director Joel Ristau said funding for these kinds of projects is down across the state and that the key to getting money will be having the project ready to go when it does become available.

Also Monday, a public hearing concerning the transfer of the county's sewer system to the county PUD.

"Asotin County PUD may be better positioned to manage and operate a utility such as the sewer system better than Asotin County Public Works can quite frankly," said Ristau. "If it doesn't make sense for the customer, than it doesn't make sense to do it."

PUD general manager Tim Simpson said they do not plan to raise rates for next year and that residents would receive one bill for water and sewer. In the transfer, the PUD would take over all ownership of the sewer system, including it's assets and debt.

In other county news, the commissioners approved the sheriff's office to apply for just over $1,000 in grant money to pay for emphasis patrol overtime.

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