Oakland County’s infrastructure committee on Jan. 8 advanced a plan to reorganize governance of portions of the Huron Rouge sanitary sewer system, aiming to isolate liability and protect county debt.

Carrie Pax, identified as a special projects manager with Regional Systems (Water Resource Commissioner office), explained that the Huron Rouge sanitary disposal system serves parts of the city of Novi and a small portion of Northville within Oakland County. Under the proposal, assets south of 8 Mile would become a Chapter 21 joint drain shared with Wayne County and Oakland County; assets north of 8 Mile would be established as a Chapter 20 drain that serves Oakland County only. Pax said the change was prompted in part by sewer backups and anticipated redevelopment in Northville and is intended to protect Oakland County’s fiscal exposure.

Meg Haas, Drainage District legal counsel, confirmed governance and cost responsibilities will be realigned and that existing county debt and bond obligations would remain unchanged and protected. Haas said the county is arranging insurance to address concerns raised by Northville officials.

Commissioner Smiley asked whether the city of Novi supports the arrangement; Pax said Novi has been generally neutral but had requested proof of insurance to ensure coverage. Legal counsel Lauren Burton described procedural aspects of converting an existing system to a legal drain under the drain code.

After questions, the committee voted to approve the recommendation as presented.

What happens next: The committee-approved transfer moves forward according to the Water Resource Commissioner’s recommendation; staff said insurance procurement and final legal steps remain part of implementation.