Committee debates oversight board versus wastewater authority after prior authority failed

The committee discussed whether oversight and enforcement of decentralized wastewater systems should sit with an appointed county oversight board, the planning commission, or a state-authorized wastewater authority. Chris White explained that a prior effort to form a wastewater authority failed to secure the necessary 0.667 (two-thirds) county commission vote and that public concern centered on perceived condemnation powers. "Now that is a that's a private act that has to take place with the state with the legislature... it has to have a 0.667 vote," White said while recounting the earlier proposal.

Members said the planning commission has sole authority over subdivision regulations (subregs) but recommended sending the committee's draft to both the planning commission and the county commission for study so county commissioners could weigh in before a final planning commission vote. Several members emphasized that decisions about board composition, legal authority and enforcement powers would likely need county commission direction and possibly review by the county attorney.