Residents Say ‘Now’ In Survey On Timing Of New Sewer Projects

An informal survey of Spokane Valley residents shows that many are eager to have sewer lines extended to their neighborhoods.

They also want to pay for sewers differently, the survey reveals, and are curious about why it’s taking so long for the county to expand the service.

More than 260 Valley residents filled out questionnaires on county sewer policies at two recent workshops.

The Public Works Department held the meetings to gain residents’ input on a proposed 20-year sewer plan officials are crafting.

Public Works officials released the findings of the survey this week.

One question asked whether residents wanted sewers now, five years from now or 20 years from now.

Nearly half the respondents checked the “now” box. The other two categories trailed significantly.

That seemed to be reflective of the mood of many residents.

Several wrote on the questionnaires that they wanted the sewer program accelerated.

Many others asked that county commissioners resume using the one-quarter cent sales tax solely for sewers. Recently, commissioners have diverted half that money to the Sheriff’s Department.

Several others asked why the sewer program has been delayed.

The survey also found that many Valley residents want to change the way they pay for sewers.

More than 55 percent of the Valley people responding to the survey said they wanted to switch from the current form of sewer financing - utility local improvement districts - to a revenue bond approach.

Under ULIDs, special taxing districts are created in the area where the sewers are being constructed. At least 60 percent of the residents inside the district must approve the formation of the district.

Residents inside the district are then charged a percentage of the cost of construction based on their lot size.

They are assessed an annual fee to pay off their share of the project cost.

Under a revenue bond system, customers would be charged based on usage and would pay the cost off through increased monthly bills.

Residents would get no vote on sewers, however.

Residents in the unincorporated areas north of Spokane also supported the financing change, the survey found. About 65 percent of those residents supported the switch to revenue bonds.

Public Works officials will submit the findings of the survey to county commissioners, who are expected to adopt a new sewer strategy early next year.

Preliminary plans call for extending sewers to neighborhoods in the urban center of the Valley, between the Spokane city limits and Sullivan Road, within 15 years.

, DataTimes