Sunman approaches commissioners about sewage system
Cindy DiFazio - Staff Writer

At the regular meeting of the Ripley County Commissioners, Monday, March 27, Roger Lang and John Campbell presented information and a rough draft of a petition to the Commissioners regarding a proposed sewage system in the Sunman area.

Lang reported that Dearborn County has gone countywide with its sewage system, and that the Sunman wastewater treatment plant is capable of taking care of the district's wastewater treatment needs. He stated that the petition is needed to submit to IDEM to start the process. They are approaching the commissioners because they will need a government entity to petition.

The next step in the process would be a feasibility study that will take nine months to a year to complete. Campbell explained, "Sunman s the host for the feasibility study."

Lang said that septic systems are failing and ground water, and possibly surface water as well, is becoming polluted. Campbell stated, "We're polluting ourselves to death." Referring to widespread installation and usage of sewage systems, Campbell addressed the commissioners saying, "It's coming guys. Maybe you want to get your feet wet with us."

Neil Comer, attorney, stated during subsequent discussion, "They're asking the commissioners to take the lead on this." The commissioners would be required to make appointments to the governing board of the sewage system district and some would have to attend hearings. Approval from the Ripley County Council also would be key. This role would be of some expense to the county. While Comer said he had no objections to the commissioners taking this under advisement, he warned, "These things are not without controversy."

Mary Ann McCoy, county auditor, reported that because of the rise in the price of natural gas, the budget billing of $850 per month the county pays to heat the courthouse will see a shortfall of $6,000 by the end of June. Lawrence Nickell made a motion to upgrade the monthly payment to $1,500 through June. Chuck Folz seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

In other business, the issue of building ordinances was readdressed. Building ordinance violations, such as individuals building without required permits, are to be enforced by the building inspector. Attorney Neil Comer noted that after a stop-work order has been issued, violators may be fined $100-$500 per offense. Each day that work continues can be considered a separate offense.

Also discussed were unsafe building ordinances. Tad Brinson, executive director of the planning commission, stated that it is a county ordinance. Brinson is named investigating officer in cases of unsafe buildings. Comer informed the meeting that an attorney may be used to pursue matters concerning building ordinances and that the funds can be taken from the commissioners' contractual services budget.

The county's employee handbook policy was reviewed. In case of weather emergency, Comer questioned the policy of paying employees who do not come in to work.

There was discussion regarding the fairness of paying those who do not try to make it in when others do report for work. He stated that "the only policy that works is if you show up, you're paid and if you don't, you're not. The county is not responsible for weather." A compromise talked about was that employees not able to make it in to work during a weather emergency would not be paid for that day, but also would not be charged with an absence. It was brought up that other businesses do not close because of weather, and if they do, employees are not paid for that time off.