Utility staff told the committee that a prospective buyer wants to buy a wooded lot at 23 1st Street SW and build a house served by Lincoln Regional (or "Liberty") instead of connecting to Pataskala utilities.

"Essentially, this gentleman wants to build a house on this parcel, and he inquired if we could relinquish the utility rates to this particular parcel and turn them over to Lincoln Regional water," Utility staff said, noting GIS maps show no nearby Pataskala water or sewer lines and that extending service would be costly.

Committee members and staff discussed practical options: running a well (possible for water), lengthy and expensive sewer extensions, crossing private property requiring easements, and potentially installing a lift station to connect to Pataskala's system. One committee member said a single-house request "makes more sense" to be handled case-by-case, while a subdivision or expansion toward Broad Street would require a different evaluation.

Utility staff said he spoke with a Lincoln Regional contact who was tentatively willing to service the parcel but that further discussion with public-service staff was needed. The prospective buyer is not yet under contract.

What happens next: staff will continue discussions with Lincoln Regional and internal public-service staff and handle any final request on a case-by-case basis; no formal decision or motion was made at the meeting.