Harrison council tables proposed sewer pump-out code change, seeks more data on costs and LID history

The Harrison City Council on May 14 voted to table consideration of an amendment to Harrison City Code 7-2-14F that would make property owners responsible for sewer pump-out expenses. Will Butler moved to table the item until the next meeting; Charlie Shutt seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

The Admin and Public Works Committee examined the issue and the city clerk reported a small survey of peer cities: most respondents indicated that homeowners are responsible for pump-outs. Clerk Miriah Pfeiffer told the council that Dover, a city of roughly 700 residents, contracts out sewer services but its bills are about $20 higher than Harrison’s. Resident Kayleen Walker urged the council during public comment to review the 1998 local improvement district (LID) history before any change, saying she found references suggesting the council had once considered the city covering pump-out costs because of the LID assessment.

Mayor Wanda Irish told the council the city had budgeted $4,000 for pump-outs this year but expenditures have exceeded $9,000, with eight additional pump-outs pending payment. Councilmembers asked staff to determine whether particular septic tanks require more frequent pump-outs and to provide additional cost and policy history ahead of the next meeting before any vote.

Because the council voted to table the matter, no change to the city code was adopted at the May 14 meeting. The item will return for further consideration once staff provides the requested information.