Local News
Supervisors study how to 'get sewered'
RUSS dues to jump from $1,000 to $5,000 annually
OTTUMWA — The supervisors would like to see Wapello County “get sewered” but the decision is up to rural residents who would have to agree to the plan.
Regional Utility Service Systems (RUSS), based in Fairfield, has the plan and many rural homeowners in Van Buren, Keokuk, Lee and Jefferson counties now have fully constructed systems.
During Tuesday’s supervisors’ meeting, Board Chairman Greg Kenning said Wapello County has been a member of RUSS since 1999 and the annual dues have been $1,000.
But, RUSS is also dealing with a budget crunch and plans to raise the dues to $5,000 annually.
Last week, Kenning had said Wapello County doesn’t have any RUSS systems and that he planned to invite Kelly Lewiston, RUSS’ executive director, to discuss the situation with the board.
“Why should we stay in?” Kenning asked Lewiston Tuesday.
Lewiston said RUSS doesn’t have a project in Wapello County but “would sure like to have one.” RUSS now has a “new list” of unsewered communities and “there are seven” in Wapello County — Farson, Kirkville, Highland Center, Chillicothe, Bladensburg, Agency and Eldon.
One way RUSS officials like to start a project is to meet with the rural homeowners in the area.
“For example, we’re meeting tonight in Jefferson County with people from four unincorporated communities,” she said. “We’re hoping they can combine for a grant.”
Siegel wondered about dwellings along Lake Road. At least one has a septic system that’s 30 years old, he added.
“Pekin is unincorporated and there are six homes there with the seventh and eighth going up,” Lewiston said. “There is a need. We would like a project in Wapello County — all would benefit.”
Lewiston told the board rural communities in the low- to middle-poverty level can get 45-75 percent grants. Even if membership dues are going up, RUSS is “barely sustainable,” according to Lewiston.
“There’s only myself and one assistant. We would like more, need more, staff but we haven’t reached the right number of [clients],” she said. “Grants have paid the salaries so far but the grants are dwindling. We want sustainability.”
Lewiston said RUSS can also, once established, make money.
“How? Average use?” Siegel said.
“A flat base rate, which is the amount of water that goes through, or a flat fee,” she said. “There will be a monthly bill when the project is completed.”
Siegel asked what the first step is for an unincorporated area that wants a RUSS system.
“An informational meeting,” Lewiston said, adding that RUSS sends letters to the interested homeowners. “And, the board of supervisors could hold a meeting to answer questions.”
“Do you need 100 percent participation for each system?” Siegel said.
“We still want 100 percent. It lowers the costs,” Lewiston said. “It pays to have the community’s support.”
Cindy Toopes can be reached at (641) 683-5376 or via e-mail at cindy@ottumwacourier.com.
For your information: RUSS has eight fully constructed systems in two counties:
• In Van Buren County there are 34 users on the Mount Sterling system.
• Keokuk County has 351 users in five locations: Kinross, 42; Webster, 52; Martinsburg, 61; Harper, 61; and Keswick, 137.
Started in 1999, RUSS establishes and maintains sewer systems for rural communities in southeast Iowa.
For more information, contact the Wapello County Supervisors at (641) 683-4630; or, call Lewiston at (641) 209-1011, or e-mail: klewiston@lisco.com
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