Brown County Regional Sewer District (BCRSD) Board meeting, Sept 7, 2023

Audio – included the discussion (and criticisms) by BCRSD Board members regarding SRF decisions on the level of funding.

Board Members: Mike Leggins (President), Clint Studabaker (Vice President), Phil LeBlanc ( Treasurer), Richard Hall ( Secretary), Matt Hanlon (At large).

Public Hearing on July 8 – Responses to Questions.  The BCRSD response to questions from the public is expected to be available for review on their website next week at the earliest. A copy will also be forwarded to the State.  Note: Concerns and questions regarding the quality of the responses will likely need to be addressed by other State and Federal offices that can provide an unbiased, objective, and independent assessment of the respective issue (s).

Monroe County Commissioners have asked that the BCRSD boundaries be extended to provide service for their citizens who live on the western end of Lake Lemon.  A significant development that will increase the number of customers in the western corridor.

New  WW Plant Funding.  Helmsburg will be receiving funding to build a new plant that will support the BCRSD Phase 1 Project. The BCRSD will collect the wastewater and Helmsburg will process it.

First Hook-ups – West or East?   The BCRSD will be requesting funding for additional engineering planning and support for Phase 1 which will include easements, acquisitions, and plans at the level of detail (85%) needed to support construction. They will also identify their first collection project with a projected budget of around 8 million. For example, do they hook up customers in the Western Corridor – Helmsburg to Lake Lemon, or the Eastern Corridor – Helmsburg to Bean Blossom, or … do they go a little both ways?   A good bet may be that the more paying customers they can hook-up as fast as possible may be a top vote-getter.

Note that Bean Blossom has been the number one priority in the county by a few for sewer service.

Easements?  Any significant push-back from residents regarding easements may factor into the decision as to direction – West or East.

Federal Funding?  The BCRSD will be meeting with the USDA/Rural Development on Sept 19, 2023, regarding available federal funding. The BCRSD also provided a copy of their PER to USDA/RD.

NEXT Joint Meeting – HRSD and BCRSD. Scheduled for Thursday, Sept 28, 6:00, Brown County Community Foundation. Topic to include the timeline on the Phase I related projects.