Franklin County approves interlocal agreement, pledges up to $247,590 toward Forks of Elkhorn sewer project

Frankfort — Franklin County Fiscal Court voted April 1 to approve an interlocal cooperation agreement with the City of Frankfort to construct the Forks of Elkhorn Sewer Collection System and authorized up to $247,590 in fiscal‑court funds to cover the remaining project gap.

County staff and HMB consultants told the court the project’s estimated total is $3,547,000, supported by a $2,800,000 state line‑item grant, a $100,000 contribution from the City of Frankfort and $400,000 from the Elkhorn Campground; that combination leaves a gap of $247,590 that the fiscal court was asked to underwrite.

Belinda, the county attorney/staff member presenting the interlocal, said the agreement outlines responsibilities for construction and operation and that the county’s attorney has reviewed the language. An HMB representative said final design work had been held pending an archeological report; the firm reported no impact and said they are ready to proceed with final design.

Court members pressed HMB and project staff on whether property acquisitions or tap‑on mandates would be required. HMB said the project is scoped on a preliminary alignment and that tap‑on fees would follow current fee schedules and can sometimes be negotiated or exchanged for easements on a case‑by‑case basis. The project will extend individual sewer connections to 61 units in the Elkhorn Mobile Home Park and service campground sites, and will decommission an older package treatment plant that staff described as an environmental concern.

Judge Michael Waller recused himself from the interlocal agreement vote and the funding authorization. The court approved the interlocal agreement by voice vote and then approved the authorization to use up to $247,590 in fiscal‑court funds to complete the extension.

County officials said the project was feasible even if the private contributor’s commitment changed: design can be adjusted and other funding sources sought if necessary. Belinda and HMB noted that the grant award that underlies the state contribution was a 2024 legislative appropriation and the county clarified that this funding is distinct from other long‑running sewer projects.

Next steps include final design and subsequent procurement; county staff said they would bring related agreements (including a final agreement with the private contributor) to the court for approval when available.

Notes: the court authorized the interlocal cooperation agreement and the funding authorization by voice votes; Judge Waller stated he would recuse himself on those two items.