Council hears requests to run sewer for new development and failing septic at Ohio County Health Care site; annexation letter recommended

Developers and representatives said the city will need to consider extending sewer lines to support proposed housing development and to address a failing septic system serving an Ohio County Health Care site near the Walmart property. A resident/developer described purchasing acreage with intent to develop single‑family homes and duplexes priced for a local market; he said that without sewer service the project would be limited to a smaller number of units. Council discussion focused on whether gravity sewer could reach the sites, the potential to run sewer to the end of Chick Road and use a pump station and the need for engineering analysis to determine costs and feasibility. A separate speaker said the Ohio County Health Care facility’s septic system has failed and that the site will likely need to be annexed and connected to city sewer; council members said the facility should submit a formal letter requesting annexation so the city can process the request and, if needed, call a special meeting for a first reading. City staff said they would consult engineers (GRW was mentioned) and that staff would follow up on feasibility, cost estimates and routes for gravity versus pump solutions. No formal vote or funding commitment was made at the meeting.