Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Environment Water Quality topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Residents urge county to fund lake cleanup and sewer expansion to protect Chain of Lakes
Summary
During the public comment portion of the joint budget hearing, two residents urged the county to address water quality in local lakes. Carl Zegen called for less‑toxic cleanup methods and testing, and Rob Bryson urged the county to consider expanding sewer service around the Chain of Lakes — calling attention to an estimated 8,000 septic systems
Two residents used the public comment period at the start of the joint hearing to ask the county to prioritize lake water quality and infrastructure in the FY2026 budgeting process.
Carl Zegen said he lives in Lake County and urged the board "to consider putting forth some efforts to clean up our local lakes," identifying local organizations testing water quality and warning that some lakes are unsafe for swimming at certain times of the year.
Rob Bryson referenced the Chain of Lakes watershed plan and said roughly 8,000 septic systems near the chain — many within 1,000 feet of the lakes — were identified as a local source of pollution. "What I'd ask you to consider is when you're considering a budget is to think about how we can work to expand sewer systems in this area so that we can have lakes that are usable," Bryson said.
Why it matters: The comments raise infrastructure and public‑health concerns that intersect with county capital planning and environmental programs. The committees did not take immediate action on the requests but the remarks were entered into the hearing record and may be referred to appropriate committees or departments for follow up.
