Commissioners approve smaller Board of Public Works after heated debate over septic receiving station finances

Livingston County commissioners voted on Dec. 16 to reduce the county Board of Public Works from nine members to seven and to approve reappointments, after a lengthy exchange over the board’s stewardship of the county’s septic receiving station and related finances.

The motion to reduce membership and confirm appointments to the Board of Public Works (resolution 2024-12-167) passed on a roll-call vote, 6 in favor, 2 opposed and 1 absence. The roll call recorded Yes votes from Commissioners Hellserman, Sample, Drake, Deaton, Smith and Gross; No votes from Commissioners Domas and Nakagiri; Commissioner Feanny was absent.

Why it matters: Commissioners and members of the public raised concerns that county taxpayers have borne large costs tied to the septic receiving station (SRS), including a multi‑million‑dollar settlement and a bond-financed expansion whose need and cost allocation were disputed. Opponents of the appointments argued that reappointing current members would perpetuate past missteps; supporters said immediate replacement could disrupt operations of an essential utility.

Commissioner Nakagiri, who spoke against the resolution, summarized his written report to colleagues and highlighted what he called substantial financial consequences from the Board of Public Works’ recent decisions. “The costs of ... that the Board of Public Works has cost the county are tremendous,” he said, pointing…