Marshall County commissioners weigh dissolving regional sewer board amid spending concerns

Marshall County commissioners on Aug. 18 discussed mounting concerns about spending by the Marshall County Regional Sewer Board and agreed to seek state-level attention and hold a joint work session with the county council to review next steps.

The discussion followed reports presented to the commissioners that, through May, the sewer board had spent about $1,140,000, and earlier spending reported in January was roughly half that amount. County Attorney Sean said his office would pursue statutory options and help prepare materials for the commissioners’ requests. Commissioner Stan urged the board to consider petitioning the appropriate authorities for dissolution of the regional sewer board, citing the rising expenditures and uncertainty over whether expected grants will materialize.

Why it matters: commissioners said the sewer board’s spending could expose county taxpayers to financial risk if grant funding does not come through, and they want to press state officials for clarity and possible remedies.

County Attorney Sean reported recent legal filings in unrelated litigation and then returned to the sewer matter, saying the office would prepare a resolution and noted practical steps: a joint work session with the county council is scheduled for 6 p.m. on Wednesday to discuss ordinances and barriers to homeowners repairing existing systems. Commissioner Stan said he had secured a meeting with Gov. Eric J. (Braun) on Aug. 28 and asked for permission to travel to Indianapolis to request introductions to state officials, including Suzanne Jawiarowski, the cabinet secretary who oversees IDEM, to seek direct attention to the county’s sewer problems. The board voted to authorize Commissioner Wohanna to travel to Indianapolis on behalf of the board; the motion carried.

Commissioners also discussed calling a special business meeting immediately following the advertised joint work session to consider a resolution addressing the regional sewer board, and county staff said formal notice and minutes procedures would be followed. Auditor Angie noted her office could not attend the advertised meeting time and described statutory alternatives for recording minutes if necessary.

Public commenters and commissioners urged formation of a local advisory or task group so homeowners with failing systems have a place to find technical help and funding alternatives. One public speaker suggested models and technical solutions used elsewhere, and commissioners said they had invited the county planning and health departments to attend the joint session to provide information on permitting, ordinances and public-health obstacles to on-site repairs.

The board did not adopt a final governing change at the meeting; instead it authorized immediate outreach to state officials, set the joint work session with the council, and signaled intent to consider a resolution to dissolve or otherwise address the regional sewer board at a subsequent, properly advertised business meeting.