Hamilton County Council approves utility-district funding measures as residents raise alarm over sewer hookup costs

The Hamilton County Council on Wednesday approved two measures tied to local sewer infrastructure: a resolution approving an interlocal agreement to fund the Hamilton County Regional Utility District’s 2025 operating budget, and a separate resolution authorizing up to $10,000,000 toward a US‑31 infrastructure phase. The council approved both measures by roll call vote; the US‑31 funding resolution passed with one member voting no.

Why it matters: both items affect whether and how sewer service will expand into parts of Jackson Township and other outlying areas. Expansion can change property obligations, trigger hookup rules and carry costs that residents said they cannot afford.

During the public‑comment period, Betty Jo Wills, a resident of 24011 Twilight Hills Drive in Cicero, told the council that most neighbors do not want sewer hookups. “Nobody wants the sewer. Nobody wants to hook up to the sewer,” Wills said, adding that contractors gave estimate ranges she could not afford. “I don't have the funds for 15 or $20,000 for a sewer that I do not want.”

Shelby Wills, who identified herself as a county bookkeeper and a resident at the same address, said she believed the proposed $10,000,000 allocation could be put to other county needs such as road repairs. “I think there are much better uses for that money than continuing the or starting the utility district,” Shelby Wills said.

County staff and council members discussed technical and legal limits on forcing customers to connect. A staff speaker explained the current rule that requires connection when a residence is within 300 feet of the line; the 300‑foot rule applies to the distance from the house, not property line. The staff speaker also summarized the exemption process: a working septic system can receive an exemption for up to 10 years initially and then up to two additional five‑year extensions (for a maximum of about 20 years) if conditions remain met.

On out‑of‑pocket costs, an unidentified staff member estimated an inspection to qualify for an exemption at roughly $800, noting part of that is the cost to pump a septic tank (about $300) so it can be inspected. On the cost to connect, the council heard that a hookup that requires a grinder pump could approach $20,000; if a grinder pump is not required the cost could be considerably less. “If they have to have a grinder pump, then, yes, they're gonna be pushing $20,000,” a staff member said.

Council members and staff also discussed mitigation and assistance. County staff said the Regional Utility District would waive connection and impact fees for anyone involuntarily required to hook up who does so within six months of notification. Council members asked staff to explore additional ways to offset costs for residents on limited incomes, but staff said the state code does not currently permit exemptions based on age, disability or assessed value; they are pursuing local or nonstate funding options to help where possible.

The council also debated a separate resolution that would provide “up to $10,000,000” for a US‑31 infrastructure phase (discussed as “phase 3” during the meeting). County staff told the council that design documents, land‑acquisition needs and the final scope were not complete and that those details will be discussed in upcoming Major Projects Committee meetings and at a planned joint meeting of the council and commissioners. “I believe at the next Major Projects Committee, this will be more thoroughly discussed,” a county staff member said. Staff emphasized that land acquisition will likely be necessary because the county does not own all the ground in the project area.

Formal actions taken: the council voted to approve an interlocal agreement that funds the Regional Utility District’s 2025 operational budget, and separately approved a resolution authorizing up to $10,000,000 toward the US‑31 infrastructure phase. The US‑31 funding resolution passed despite one no vote.

Next steps: staff said they will present more detailed scope and design material at future Major Projects Committee and joint commissioner–council meetings. Council members asked staff to continue seeking assistance programs to reduce individual hookup costs and to clarify the timetable for design and property acquisition.