SID NEEDING TO COMPLETE 3RD LAGOON CELL

Post date: Mar 26, 2012 1:9:27 AM

Johnson Lake SID may look at third discharge cell

• Author: HARRY G. PERKINS Hub Regional Correspondent

• Posted: March 25, 2012 at 5:30 am

JOHNSON LAKE — Johnson Lake Sanitary Improvement District trustees may have to consider completing a third cell to handle discharges from the lake’s sewage system.

The cell has been developed in anticipation of its need but must be completed before receiving sewage.

The trustees will call for digging equipment and soil samplers to learn if more work is needed to line the cell.

In the first trustee meeting of the year, Chairman Bruce Smith and SID Clerk Larry Ossenkop pointed at the continuing growth of a permanent population at the lake in addition to improvements property owners have been making for the increased discharge.

“There have been 36 new houses built since the sewage system was completed in 2008,” Ossenkop said.

He said the growth is somewhat faster then was expected.

“Many properties that have been improved are now using two bathrooms and things like dishwashers,” Smith added. “Where people used to be concerned about exceeding the capacity of their septic system, they don’t have to worry about a septic system anymore.”

No costs for a third cell were estimated.

Ossenkop told the trustees 34 properties are delinquent in their annual assessments, while 14 are delinquent in paying sewer-use fees.

Some delinquencies date to 2009 for the sewer-use fees, which are drawing interest at the rate of 14 percent. Delinquent assessment payments are charged 7 percent. The interest payments are added to the costs.

Delinquent assessments may be sold by the county treasurer on the annual tax sale each March. After three years, the delinquent properties could be foreclosed.

It appears 15 to 18 properties will become eligible for foreclosure in September, Ossenkop said.