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NEWTON FALLS – Officials from both Newton Falls and Newton Township met Wednesday with county officials and representatives of Thomas Fok and Associates to discuss how to fund the Scott Street sewer project.
Newly named City Manager Pam Priddy said “this is a worthwhile and interesting project,” but the village will not be able to provide any funds for it. However, she said she will look into getting forgiveness loans from the EPA.
The first phase of the three-phase project is complete. Discussion now is taking place on the $3.3 million second phase for which the village already has received an $875,000 Ohio EPA grant and the remaining balance to be paid through forgiveness loans from the federal EPA. The third phase has not been discussed, Priddy said.
Newton Trustee Chairman Pete Augusta said key for the project, which was first discussed in 2015, is having a fair sewer rate for the residents of the township because grant money for the project is based on affordability for the residents.
“We are not asking you to pay for the project. If you are willing to move forward and apply for the grant money to help us, this will mean 103 more sewer customers for a lifetime,” Augusta said at Wednesday’s meeting.
He said right now, township residents are paying $6 to $7 more in sewer rates per 1,000 gallons than village residents for first phase.
“If we can get grant money and an affordable and reasonable rate for the customers, fine. Otherwise it is a waste of our time,” Augusta said.
He said the township could cover costs for updating project plans with Folk and Associates and any permits. Priddy said a public hearing for residents of Scott Street will be needed to see if there is interest in moving forward with the project.
She also said village officials could speak to county commissioners about possibly funding any of the tie-ins to the sewer.
Gary Newbrough, project planning director at the Trumbull County Sanitary Engineer’s Office, said American Rescue Plan funds and other funding sources could be used to help with tie-in costs.
“Applications for funding for the project need to move forward this year,” he said.
Newbrough and other county officials said they will need to apply for the grant this summer and officials will learn by fall how much the village will receive for the project.
He said a capital charge on top of the residents’ sewer bill will retire the debt the county has on phase one.
“We do have a small debt that could be divided up among the 100 or so customers,” he said.
Mike Novonty, Newton Falls wastewater superintendent, said, “This is a much-needed project that needs to go forward since the sanitary sewage is going to the Mahoning River. The city should not be taking on any loans or the wastewater department absorbing any more debt,” Novotny said, noting the village already is paying a $5 million debt on the $11 million capital project for the wastewater plant.
Second Ward Councilman John Baryak said officials can review lowering the rates for township residents but noted village residents can’t be expected to pay more for sewage than township residents, especially when the village already is paying for the debt on the wastewater plant.
“We can’t afford to put our wastewater plant in any more debt than it already is. The city will contribute zero to this. If we can get forgiveness loans, we will move forward, but if not, we can’t do it,” Priddy said.
Resident Theresa Bartlett said she understands the village’s financial situation but noted the project could be an asset to Newton Falls by adding more than 100 new customers.
“We do not want any hardship for the people there. This project could be an opportunity of a lifetime if you can be reasonable with the rates,” Bartlett said.
Third Ward Councilwoman Tesa Spletzer said metered village customers pay $15.47 per 1,000 gallons of water and metered nonvillage customers pay $17.97 per 1,000 gallons of water. She said nonmetered village customers pay $29.38 per 1,000 gallons, and nonmetered, nonvillage residents pay $36.72 per 1,000 gallons. Those rates are as of July 1.
Officials will meet again to discuss the rates and any changes.
Resident Julie Lemon said nonresidents should not get a better rate than the residents who live within the village.
“We need to have this ironed out before we proceed,” Augusta said.
Officials said the demographics of the residents on Scott Street are needed.
bcoupland@tribtoday.com