Commissioners authorize application for federal funds to expand Exit 1 sewer plant and begin discussion of sewer‑rate increases to build capital fund

The Williams County Board of Commissioners authorized county staff to apply for federal appropriations to expand the Exit 1 sewer plant and discussed longer‑term sewer‑rate changes to build a capital replacement fund.

Todd Groth told commissioners that the Exit 1 plant faces capacity and treatment‑capability questions, and Jones & Henry is preparing options and cost estimates. Groth said the county can apply for an appropriation through congressional channels, but the application deadline is March 19; he asked the board to authorize him to proceed and to assist by collecting letters of support. Groth requested “at least probably 4 letters of support” from local legislators, township trustees and business groups; commissioners suggested names including Jim Hoops, others in the community and WEDCO. The board moved to authorize Groth to pursue the appropriations request; the motion passed on a voice vote.

Groth explained that the plant is a 37,000‑gallon‑per‑day facility and already receives roughly 10,000 gallons per day from Pilot and about 10,000 from Luvs, putting the mechanical treatment system "on the edge" of its operating capability. He said the lagoon acts primarily as a finishing pond and that the mechanical system is the treatment bottleneck. Jones & Henry will refine cost estimates needed for the application.

Commissioners also discussed sewer rates and building long‑term capital reserves. The board noted the current monthly sewer charge is $50 and discussed options such as a modest annual percentage increase (for example, 3% per year) or directing an additional $2–$5 of the monthly charge into a capital fund to prepare for major projects. Staff noted a possible funding mix for large future projects (such as Norwood) could include OPWC loans or grants with roughly a 60/40 split but that a large project may still require the county to provide hundreds of thousands in local match over time. Commissioners asked staff to prepare spreadsheet scenarios showing loan schedules, assessments and potential reserve buildup so the board can consider a phased increase rather than a single large rate shock.

The board directed Groth and county staff to draft a short template for letters of support and to work with county clerks and local legislators to gather the endorsements before the March 19 deadline.