Commissioner Hanson argues against Washington County severing ties with Sewer Pack

At the recent Washington County Land Use & Planning Committee meeting, a significant discussion emerged regarding the county's potential decision to sever ties with the Southeastern Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission (Sewer Pack). Commissioner Katrina Hanson, a local business owner and real estate broker, voiced strong concerns about the implications of this move.

Hanson, who has been involved with Sewer Pack and various local boards, emphasized her vested interest in the decisions made by the committee. She highlighted the depth of knowledge and resources that Sewer Pack provides, which she believes are crucial for effective land planning and information management in the county. "I think we take for granted the vast information that this county uses routinely," she stated, underscoring the potential negative impact of withdrawing from the commission.

The discussion was sparked by a phone call initiated by Ms. Ludovic from the county executive's office, which informed commissioners about the consideration to remove Washington County from Sewer Pack or cut budget support for it. When Hanson inquired about how the county plans to replace the services provided by Sewer Pack, she received an uncertain response: "We don't know yet." This lack of clarity raised further concerns for Hanson, who questioned the costs associated with replacing these essential services.

Hanson's analysis of the situation suggests that the county's withdrawal from Sewer Pack would be detrimental. She urged the committee to reconsider the decision, citing the long-standing partnership with the commission since 1960 and the potential risks of losing valuable resources and expertise.

As the committee continues to deliberate on this matter, the future of Washington County's relationship with Sewer Pack remains uncertain, with significant implications for local planning and development on the horizon.