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County offered to cover extra sewer costs after state design raises expense, Farmland council told
Summary
Farmland council weighed options after a state-required sewer design would force deeper excavation and likely increase cost; a county commissioner said the county could consider covering added expense if formally approved, and council discussed a manhole alternative to reduce depth.
Farmland council members spent the longest portion of their Feb. 5 meeting on a sewer-connection problem that could add thousands of dollars to a contractor's price because the state's design requires a deeper installation.
A county commissioner told the council the county would consider covering the additional excavation costs but that the town should seek formal verification before authorizing work. Council members discussed alternatives, including coring into a nearby manhole to reduce the dig depth from about 8 feet to about 5 feet and potentially cut costs.
Why it matters: The town is preparing to turn a new service over to regional utilities and the state review required a different alignment and deeper box than anticipated. That change could shift unplanned expenses to the town or to the contractor unless the county approves funding assistance.
What was said: Council members and staff described the state design and the logistics of digging near the planned route. The county commissioner asked the town to get written confirmation that the county would pay the additional cost before the town gives the contractor final permission to proceed. Town staff said contractor Thor expected to begin scheduling once the county confirmed who would cover the work and whether the county would cut and pack the street restoration when work is done.
Next steps: Council members agreed to seek verification from county officials and to coordinate scheduling with the contractor. No formal vote to obligate county funds was recorded during the meeting; the county commissioner said a formal vote by the county commissioners would be required.
