County approves three septic cost-share applications for Elkhart-area households

The Elkhart County Health Department presented three cost-share applications for replacement septic systems and the board approved all three on June 22.

Health Department presenter Elise Papp described the first application for a subsurface gravity trench system at 1910 Borneman Avenue in Elkhart. The owner reported two household members; one adult receives annual Social Security of $18,900 and the other receives Social Security Disability (not included as income under program rules). The house dates to 1945, the department has no record of a permitted septic system and effluent was ponding on the ground surface. The lowest estimate for replacement was $17,500 and the 2026 funding guidelines allow contingent grant assistance up to $17,500; commissioners approved the application.

The second application was for a deep-bed pressure-distribution lateral at 53726 County Road 1 (Cleveland Township). Papp said adjusted gross income on the 2025 return was $45,286 with projected 2026 income about $35,498. The replacement estimate was $17,796. Under 2026 guidelines this application qualified for a 50% contingent grant (up to $8,898) and a 50% loan (up to $8,898) at 2% interest; commissioners approved the application.

The third application concerned 51883 Woodview Way in Elkhart, a five-member household with combined reported incomes of about $70,950. The current permitted system was failing and ponding; the lowest replacement estimate was $18,500. Under 2026 guidelines the case qualified for 50% contingent grant and 50% loan assistance at 2% interest. During the presentation staff corrected a discrepancy in the household-count field on the application form. Commissioners approved this application as well.

Next steps: Staff will proceed with program paperwork and award letter processing for each approved case. The transcript did not record vote tallies.