Board weighs wastewater options with $42M–$80M price tags; denies proceeding after funding concerns

County utilities staff presented a cost comparison Jan. 13 between two wastewater strategies that staff said would add up to 2 million gallons per day (MGD) of new capacity conveyed to outside systems or expanded local capacity.

The presenter summarized the slide deck: "The capital cost for the Hopewell option is just over $42,000,000 and for the Sussex option is about $80,000,000," and contrasted operating costs: "Hopewell is over $8,000,000 a year versus $1,200,000 for the Sussex option." Staff said the Sussex option could unlock up to 6 MGD on a county-provided site but that available grant funds and developer contributions were uncertain.

Staff identified a roughly 5¢ tax-rate increase scenario that would be necessary to fund the Sussex option if grant and developer contributions remain intact. Board members raised concerns about burdening all taxpayers — including residents in areas that would not receive sewer service — and about relying on long-term economic-development assumptions. One supervisor asked what would happen in 10–15 years if no action was taken, pointing to school construction and needed utility capacity.

After extended questioning on affordability, revenue timing and who would bear costs, a motion was made to deny proceeding based on the consultant (Davenport) recommendation that the county lacks funds to proceed. The board recorded the roll-call and directed staff to preserve alternatives (pump upgrades and negotiations with nearby systems) and to provide additional financial analysis and options for funding and phasing before any future commitment.