Washington County Board of Commissioners Sewer Statement

MARIETTA, OH — This is a statement made by Kevin Ritter at the 6/3/21 meeting of the Washington County Commissioners concerning funding for the Devola sewer project.

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At our last meeting, each of the Commissioners spoke passionately about the Sewer Project. Since then, further information has come to light and I would like to take this opportunity to amplify our statement from last week.

The County Commission, in conjunction with Sunday Creek Horizons, is currently working with the Governor’s Office and the state legislature to earn their support and secure funding for the County Sewer Project.

We were recently made aware of a list of statewide water and sewer projects that Governor DeWine’s administration has marked as priorities. During this fact-finding, we learned that our project has not yet been identified as a priority. For the reasons cited below, we believe this sewer project deserves a spot on that list.

Currently, Washington County sewer customers pay a monthly bill of $76.65. After the completion of this EPA-mandated project, the price of the monthly bill is projected to increase to $100-$110 a month, unless additional financial assistance from the state is secured. In addition, new sewer customers in Devola will likely pay a tap fee of between $10,000-$12,000. This increased financial obligation will discourage people from buying homes in the neighborhood, while it penalizes other county residents living outside Devola.

We believe the sewer project is important for future Washington County economic development. [Certainly] County residents deserve clean water at a feasible cost. [And] As parts of the expansion are related to pending building projects for business development, pipe expansion IS necessary and it will ultimately be an asset to local economic development. …..But if businesses have to pay more for sewer, they will likely go elsewhere.

We understand, and respect that the Governor and his staff are facing many challenges, and that there are many other projects, in communities like ours, that also are in need of funding. However, our county has been court-ordered to construct this system, and we simply do not have the financial means to shoulder this large burden without state assistance.

Forcing county ratepayers to shoulder the cost of this project - regardless of their socioeconomic standing - will serve to impose onerous fees on many who simply cannot afford to pay them.

Sadly, COVID has impacted the economic livelihood of many Washington County residents, and the additional burden associated with the cost of this project will compound the difficult financial situation that many currently face.

Through the American Rescue Plan Act, the State of Ohio received nearly $6 billion in funding from the federal government, and we urge our state’s elected leaders to utilize these funds to address this important infrastructure challenge.

Our earnest desire is to work with Governor DeWine, Lt. Gov. Husted, their staff, and the state legislature to do right by their, and our, constituents.

Thank you.

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This statement was authored by Kevin Ritter. Any opinions expressed within are his own.

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