By FRED SWIFT
The County Line
Groundbreaking is scheduled Oct. 4 for the Hamilton County Regional Utility District’s wastewater treatment plant, the first step in providing sewers and municipal water service to a large rural area of northern Hamilton County.
Generally referred to as the Bakers Corner utility project, it will provide water and sewer service to an area from 216th Street to 276th Street, both east and west of U.S. 31 for varying distances of up to a mile or more to the east of 31.
Graphic provided by Hamilton County Government
Future expansion of the service area is anticipated, according to the Commissioners’ Director of Administration Lee Buckingham. He said the estimated $64 million cost will come largely from state and federal funds, including COVID relief money given to the county over 2023-24.
Locally issued bonds of an estimated $10 million may also be employed if needed. The county receives about $65 million in COVID relief, of which around half will be dedicated to the Bakers Corner project.
Final financing arrangements will be made once construction bids are received.
It is the first time the county government has become involved in providing utility services. Construction is expected to go rapidly in two phases. One target date is December 2024 when service is planned for the new National Guard Armory being built at 276th Street and U.S. 31.
County commissioners, who serve as the regional utility board of directors, said last year that hundreds of future customers are already seeking connection to the service. The utility is considered a separate entity from Hamilton County although officers are county officials.
The project will aid greatly in economic development for the northern part of the county, says Mark Heirbrandt, who will serve as president for the district. Buckingham will serve as acting general manager, Conner Sullivan will serve as the district’s attorney, Bondry Consulting will be financial officers, and Wessler Engineering will be district engineer.
Estimated cost of 64 million so that means the real cost will more likely be closer to 100 million. Maybe that is why the county is proposing a .25% raise in the county tax?
Do we need more future development in Hamilton County? The availability of water for more development in the Cicero town expansion area has been a negative due to lack of water. And to add,the water for the Bakers Corner will be supplied by the Sheridan water field. How will this development along US 31 affect the farming community’s private wells? Hamilton County needs to draw a “Stop Line” on any more development especially if water is not available for new development and all county residents.