Regionalization 4-2-25

A new Regionalization Video: https://youtu.be/QM0FWz0vj6M

Water/ Sewer Regionalization is a buzz word these days that elicits a wide array of feelings from citizens and elected officials. What is regionalization and is it something that Hardin County is interested in?

Kenton’s Safety Service Director (Cindy Murray) brought together some of our county leaders and Wessler Engineering to talk high level possibilities. Regionalized happens when the existing boundaries combine together to form a new coordinated utility. It really has two different options. One, a ‘privatized city’ water plant sells services to other entities and maintains the administration of the utility and its employees. This system puts the burden of the new construction on the owner (Kenton) and ‘Buyer’s’ of the water would be responsible for their portion of new pipe and to maintain their own village pipes (old). The plant ‘owner’ would set rates and usage amounts and sell the water as they choose. The water that goes out to these ‘buyers’ is considered ‘raw water’ and has to be treated at the end point before being distributed to users (very simple process). Those houses along the water line will not be able to tap in to the system due to this required treatment.

Second, there is an option to form a district to take on the oversight of the services of that area. The district would be responsible for the new infrastructure/plant as well as all the pipe maintenance and repairs of the old systems. The overall benefit of a water district is in the reduced cost of per/user amounts, of shared staffing both administrative and maintenance, and of shared equipment like trucks and other specialized equipment. A district is also overseen by a board which would ensure representation of all entities and a focus on provided quality utilities to its service area.

Kenton’s water plant was built around 1968 and is reaching the end of its life. There are maintenance things that needs to take place; such as replacing the sand filters and numerous valves, this will help extend its life for another ~15yrs. This will also allow Kenton the time needed to get the funding and plans in place for a new water plant. This is Kenton’s main focus and has talked with Wessler about reviewing Kenton’s current situation and to suggest ways to expand their service area and move the plant out of the flood plan.

As Kenton works to address these needs, they are also looking to start conversations with other municipalities and the County Commissioners on this idea of regionalization. The Water/ Sewer state of our county is in a quickly deteriorating state. Just outside of Kenton is Meyers addition and they are on wells and septics, which are quickly becoming an EPA hot point. Root Addition, across the road, is going to need an over haul for its septic system in the near future, and the Cross-house fire brought to the for front the lack of fire hydrants to these areas. Alger, Forest, Dunkirk and McGuffey are all in difficult situations with their water and/or sewer systems. Even Ada needs to be looking forward in time to the growing regulations and financial strain these infrastructures place on their villages.

Wessler did an amazing job going over the different aspects of Hardin County and answering the multitude of questions from the group. Regionalized water is much easier to ship around because it is not restricted by the ridgeline (summit street) in Kenton. Sewer districts must stay within their water sheds. Wessler stated that on other projects they have seen 9 miles cost up to $14 million. This is a lot of money to consider but it is a reliable and stable way to provide utilities and over the long haul the most cost effective. This cost would be for the ‘addition’ infrastructure from the city limit line to the village and include booster stations, end line chemical feed, electrical panels, etc… These come with a small maintenance cost through the years but the main structures have a upward of 100 year life span. Often times you will have a 20-30 year loan on these to spread out the burden as well as seeking grant money. Right now, there is an uptick in grants for regionalization due to its push from the state. But more than just a state initiative the staffing and cost to maintain individual systems has far surpassed the sustainability of our small towns.

There are many things to consider as a municipality looking at regionalization. Cost (of course) compared to the maintenance, upgrades, and administration of the current systems. Often times moving the oversight of these utilities out of a village/ city council can help lessen the burden on those members and put the control into the hands of a qualified board. As we try to navigate the Rural-American squeeze we must stay vigilant in exploring the many options we have before us to preserve our villages, homes, and way of life. Stay tuned as there are other meetings to come and more details to be worked out.