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Council tables proposed septic pump-out code amendment after budget concerns
Summary
The Harrison City Council on May 14 tabled a proposed amendment to city code 7-2-14F that would make property owners responsible for septic pump-outs, citing questions about a 1998 LID and higher-than-expected city pump-out costs.
The Harrison City Council on May 14 voted to table consideration of an amendment to Harrison City Code 7-2-14F that would shift responsibility for sewer pump-outs to property owners. Will Butler moved to table the item; Charlie Shutt seconded and the motion passed unanimously.
During public comment Kayleen Walker urged the council to review the history of the 1998 local improvement district (LID) before deciding, saying she found information suggesting the council had earlier considered having the city cover pump-out costs. Mayor Wanda Irish told the council the city had budgeted $4,000 for pump-outs but has already exceeded $9,000 and has eight more pump-outs to pay for, prompting a request for additional information on whether some septic tanks require more frequent service.
The Admin and Public Works committees had surveyed comparable cities: the City Clerk reported that Dover, a city of about 700 residents, contracts out sewer service and currently has sewer bills roughly $20 higher than Harrison's. Most municipalities that responded indicated homeowners are responsible for pump-outs. Council members asked staff to return with clarified cost comparisons and any LID-era obligations before taking further action.
