County passes on land purchase for sewage lagoon

Jun 24, 2010 — Daily Iowegian

Michael Schaffer

Jun. 24, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- CENTERVILLE -- The Appanoose County Board of Supervisors Monday morning decided to not proceed with the purchase of 12 acres of land to build a new sewage lagoon.

The lagoon would be needed if the Bentley Development or any other development along Highway J18 north of the Honey Creek Resort in northern Appanoose County was constructed. At the present time the Bentley Development is on hold.

Supervisor Linda Rouse had the item placed on the agenda and made the motion to proceed with the purchase. The motion died for the lack of a second.

Rouse said the sewage lagoon could be seen as economic development. And the purchase would be made with the understanding that if development happens, the county would get back the $70,000 purchase price.

"Because of the work that had been done, the lines that are in place, and the fact that we may need more sewer capacity, if not for Mr. Bentley, but for other development out there, that I look at that as an economic development and something that we can do with our sale tax money, the LOST money that we have for economic development," Rouse said. "So that's how it got on the agenda."

Supervisor Jody McDanel pointed out the existing lagoon was big enough to accommodate the Iconium sewer system and others. He said more sewer lagoon space would be needed if development occurred to the east along Highway J18.

Chairman Dean Kaster said the county shouldn't be in the business of owning property.

"And we just gave some away this morning to the city of Cincinnati because we don't want it," Kaster said. "I'm not opposed to someway or the other supporting ADLM purchasing that property."

Kaster said the county's LOST fund didn't have the money in it to make the purchase at this time.

Rouse replied the LOST account would have the necessary money after July 1.

In other action, the board, all by 3-0 votes, agreed to hire Ashley Hoffman for full-time seasonal help for the secondary road department effective June 14 at $10 per hour, to hire Natasha Myers as a part-time nurse for the county health office effective June 21 at $17 per hour, to hire Randall Gene McPherren as a part-time deputy sheriff effective June 11 and to have Carl Hawkins make repairs to a culvert on 200th Avenue.

The board awarded Agriland Farm Service the county's fuel contract based on their lower bid and on the recommendation of County Engineer Gary Bishop. The contract is for delivery of various fuels to the county.

The board voted 3-0 to transfer property to the city of Cincinnati.

The board tabled a closed session with the county attorney until July 6.

The next meeting for the Appanoose County Board of Supervisors is scheduled for 9 a.m. July 6.

Newstex ID: KRTB-0357-46409125