SEELEY LAKE - In an earlier letter-to-the-editor, I pointed out that Sewer District 4 has some 40 properties which are, in fact, residences or the occasional vacant lot. Seeley Lake Sewer District Manager Greg Robinson would have them charged as “businesses” to cover the debt and Operation & Maintenance (O&M) expenses if district property owners accept the proposed sewer project. (Please see the Pathfinder archive if you wish to review that information.)
At that time, I noted that similar situations also existed for other sewer districts. So far, I have identified 80 additional properties that would be mischarged according to Robertson’s thoughtless plan. Of those properties, some 53+/- are in SD #1 and another 27+/- are in SD#2. These are conditional numbers since I am away from Seeley Lake due to the wildfire that has turned our summer upside down and have not been able to visually check each piece of property. I will verify my count when I am able to return to town.
Robertson’s plan is extraordinarily inequitable and foolish. From one end of the country to the other, sewer districts that are responsive to their constituents have devised appropriate charging plans that address reality and whatever quirks they may face. Robertson’s quick fix is symptomatic of the level of quality of research and problem-solving that persists within a majority of the facets of the project.
Citizens for Sensible Wastewater Solutions has created a new Facebook page, “Seeley/Clearwater Wastewater Options”. In addition to allowing the presentation of more detailed and documented information, sewer district property owners and residents are invited to share their own information (with citations, please), questions and perspectives. We look forward to vigorous discussion and debate based on sound materials and interpretations thereof.
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