Several concerned citizens of Tyner attended the Marshall County Commissioners meeting Tuesday to reiterate their objections to some type of sewer service for the community.
Sharon Leathers asked Commissioner Kevin Overmyer if he had heard what she and others spoke about at the August 16th meeting. Overmyer was absent from the meeting.
She briefly reviewed their comments and concerns saying, “I was the one going around to all the homes in Tyner asking them what they thought about this sewer system proposal.” She had a petition she presented during the August meeting with 70 signatures opposed to the idea. She said, “It’s a hardship for most of the people. A lot of the people are retired on a fixed income. We have single moms with children, and we have people who are on disability.”
Leathers said, “My question this time is, the people of Tyner have been asking for years to fix our roads and have been ignored. So now, why are you proposing a sewer system that we don’t want. Why? We need answers.” She continued, “We are underserved on our roads, we just want to be left alone.” Mrs. Leathers said if we wanted this we could come and ask you for it.
The citizens in Tyner will have a hardship paying the estimated monthly bill of $80 to $90 plus whatever the connection fee will be.
Sharon Leathers suggested the commissioner stay on the south side of U.S. 30 and take care of all the subdivisions, the lake properties, Donaldson, and lots of citizens who would “love to have your sewer system.”
Commissioner Kevin Overmyer said, “I feel like you guys think you have a target on your back, but those were just suggestions that came out of the study. Nothing has been defined yet. We still have a long way to go.” The commissioner continued, “My focus, personally, would be to get the lakes cleaned-up but that hasn’t been determined yet. We are probably 2 or 3 years, maybe even longer than that before we can start.”
Mrs. Leathers asked if she could get that in writing, that you’re not going to consider us.
Commissioner Mike Burroughs said, “We are not the determining factor. It’s going to be the Regional Sewer Board that hasn’t even been appointed yet.” He continued that the commissioner would have 1 or 2 appointments to the board and so will the County Council. There will be people from the community on the board as well.
County Attorney Jim Clevenger told the Tyner residents, “The process takes a lot of time. The first thing that has to happen is a public hearing to go forward and then a petition that will be filed with the court and there will be hearings and things associated with that. As I told you the last time you were here. There will be lots of opportunities for you and the Tyner neighbors to come in and voice your concerns and explain why you are opposed to a regional sewer district.”
The County Attorney will update the commissioners during their meetings on the progress. He told the folks from Tyner, “You want us to give you a long-term commitment that Tyner won’t be involved in the Regional Sewer District.” He continued, “Folks might change their mind if they have more of their neighbor’s septic systems failing. Not able to get rid of their sewage, impacting their water supply. You may change your tune over a period of time. I hope you don’t and I hope that you guys can do your thing but I’m just telling you that you may find that the circumstances change and as systems go out and can not be repaired you may be thinking some kind of an economical system might be a good thing.”
Commissioner Stan Klotz said when they started to talk about the Regional Sewer District it was all about the lakes. The county will benefit from the economic impact when the lakes have more lots that can be developed, and people have a sewer system and can improve their homes adding more facilities or even tearing down cottages and building large permanent homes. Commissioner Klotz said, “We have to consider that. There would be a large return on investment.”
