What this latest Ledger article fails to point out is the fact that back in September of 2010, City Council members had every intention of not only putting in new water lines, but also sewer lines, in the one of the poorest parts of town. City meeting minutes from September 14, 2010 clearly state that sewer lines were seriously being considered. The argument from many council members at the time was that this area was older so many of the septic systems were likely failing, so the right thing to do would be to bring in sewers to this part of town.
If the sewer portion of this Community Block Grant project would have moved forward, there may have been financial assistance to hook up these households to the sewer system, but the ongoing monthly sewer bill expenses adding to the financial burden on these individuals would have been unbearable. Even now, a large portion of these residences stand empty due to foreclosures or they are rental units that the landlords are having a hard time finding tenants willing or able to pay the higher water bills compared to neighboring areas with lower rates for similar services. Thanks to recommendations from the city Citizens Advisory Committee and pressure from city citizens, only water lines are now being planned for this area.
Project Set To Improve Water Service to 142 Households in Polk City
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