In a recent government meeting, residents of Old Town Kirtland voiced their concerns over the escalating costs associated with a new sanitary sewer project. The discussions highlighted significant financial burdens placed on homeowners due to high inspection fees and connection costs, prompting calls for immediate action from local officials.

Michael Archdiacono, a Kirtland resident and supervisor inspector for the city of Willoughby, raised alarm over a staggering inspection fee of $57,100 being charged for the project. He pointed out that this fee, when multiplied by the number of parcels involved, could result in nearly $695,000 being collected by Lake County. Archdiacono compared this to the much lower fee of $1,000 charged in Willoughby, questioning the justification for such a high cost and demanding transparency regarding any infrastructure upgrades that would warrant it.

Denise Quiggo, another resident, echoed these concerns, revealing that homeowners are facing additional assessments of $15,000 in January, which could be financed through property taxes, potentially increasing annual tax bills by about $800 over 20 years. She expressed frustration over the cumulative costs, estimating that homeowners could end up spending around $35,000 to connect to the new sewer system, which she deemed excessive.

Both residents urged local commissioners to reconsider the financial implications of the project on the community, particularly for the blue-collar families and elderly residents who are already struggling with the costs. They called for a reevaluation of the fees and for measures to alleviate the financial strain on affected homeowners. The meeting underscored the urgent need for local government to address these concerns as the community grapples with the financial realities of the sewer project.