Resident asks Lake County supervisors to probe $400,000 sewer charge for Lucerne Castle

Mike Nudow, a Lake County resident, told the Board of Supervisors during the meeting's public comment period that he has been unable to get a clear justification for a $400,000 sewer-related charge tied to the Lucerne Castle property and said Supervisor Crandall has agreed to research the matter and check with County Counsel.

Nudow said he received an email from Supervisor Crandall in which the supervisor agreed to look into the charge and consult County Counsel. "I got an email yesterday from Supervisor Crandall, and he has agreed to, research the matter and check with county council, and I appreciate that," Nudow said.

Nudow told supervisors the item first arose during a pre-operation meeting on Jan. 29, when representatives of a special districts office told him the buyer would have to pay $400,000. He said he has repeatedly asked for the basis of the charge and received responses he considered insufficient. "I've been trying ever since to get an answer, and I haven't gotten that answer," Nudow said.

Nudow said the property already has an existing sewer connection and that he arranged for a civil engineer to participate in a three-way call to clarify the issue but that his request went unanswered. He compared the fee to an excessive tax or health-department demand, saying: "I just think this is for the Board of Supervisors." He asked the board to review the matter.

Meeting staff did not take a formal vote on the complaint during the public comment period. According to Nudow's account, Supervisor Crandall committed to researching the charge and consulting County Counsel; no timeline or specific next steps were specified on the record.

The comment concluded without further public speakers on the item and the board moved on to the next agenda item.