Sarpy County approves wastewater connection agreement allowing Southpointe lots to tie into Gretna sewer

SARPY COUNTY, Neb. — The Sarpy County Board of Commissioners on Oct. 7 approved a wastewater service and connection agreement among Sarpy County, the City of Gretna and Western Land Company LLC that permits Lots 10 through 16 in the Southpointe development to connect to the county sewer system.

The agreement, presented by Nicole Spitzenberger of the deputy county attorney’s office, requires the developer to construct a gravity line, a lift station and a force main to tie the lots into the Sarpy sewer. “What’s unique about this agreement is that 40 of the usual connection fees will be allowed to be kept by the City of Gretna as a credit to the developer’s cost for the lift station and force main,” Spitzenberger said during the meeting.

The contract language otherwise followed the county’s standard form for utility connections, Spitzenberger said. A commissioner noted the county’s working relationship with the City of Gretna and called the arrangement “very beneficial” to both jurisdictions.

The motion to approve the agreement was made by Commissioner Kelly and seconded by Commissioner Warren; the board voted in favor and the motion carried.

County documents and staff at the meeting said the connection specifically covers Lots 10–16 in the Southpointe (also referenced in the meeting as Wick Southpoint) development. The developer will be responsible for the construction of the listed sewer infrastructure; the timing, inspection requirements and any required city or county permits were not specified in the public discussion.

The agreement’s allowance for Gretna to retain “40 of the usual connection fees” was stated on the record by the deputy county attorney; the transcript does not clarify whether “40” refers to a percentage, a flat number, or another unit, and the board did not clarify that point during the public discussion. Funding sources or reimbursements beyond the fee-credit arrangement were not specified.

Speakers at the meeting who addressed or were identified in connection with this item included Nicole Spitzenberger, deputy county attorney; Bonnie Moore, county administrator; Dan Pittman, county assessor; Kendra Koehler, Clerk and Registry of Deeds office; Jeff Meixler, treasurer; Denny Wilson, county engineer; and members of the board of commissioners.

The approval directs county staff to proceed under the terms of the agreement. The item did not include a separate funding appropriation on the county’s consent agenda; the motion recorded in the public minutes is limited to approving the agreement as presented.

Votes at a glance: the board voted to approve the wastewater service and connection agreement (motion by Commissioner Kelly; second by Commissioner Warren; motion carried).