Hayden Sewer Project Open For Debate Property Owners Invited To Meeting To Discuss $2 Million Proposal
Hayden is asking nearly 400 property owners to pony up $2 million to pay for construction of more sewer lines.
That has some residents balking - especially those who have their homes in more expensive commercial areas.
City residents will get their say on the project tonight at 7 at the Hayden Elementary School, at the intersection of Government Way and Hayden Avenue. Officials expect a heavy turnout.
The city also is hosting an open house at the Hayden City Hall from 3 to 6 p.m. to explain the project.
The sewer project, the third in Hayden since 1986, would put about 80 percent of the city on sewers. State health officials are trying to discourage septic tanks over the Rathdrum Aquifer - which lies under Hayden. The aquifer provides drinking water for much of Kootenai County and Spokane.
The sewer project actually costs about $3 million, but the state is contributing a $1 million grant.
Those who would be included in the local improvement district have been notified by mail, said City Administrator Bob Croffoot.
The areas include sections of Prairie, West Hayden and Maple Avenues, plus sections of Government Way.
Most of the affected homeowners will pay $2,675 to $5,525, depending on the value of their houses. Some, however, are being asked to pay much more.
Cindy Palmer, for example, would pay $22,800 for her home and four acres on West Hayden Ave. The reason: the land is zoned for commercial development, making the land more valuable. That’s good when Palmer wants to sell the land, but for now she just wants to live there and keep her horse in the adjacent barn.
“There isn’t a soul that doesn’t want the sewers. We know that day’s coming, and $4,500 is pretty reasonable,” the full-time mother said. “But I can’t pay $22,000. I’d have to sell.”
The same is true for John Smithson, a retired tow truck company owner. Twenty-four years ago, Smithson moved into his two-story metal-roofed home on Hayden Avenue. His children live in the house next door. All told, Smithson has about two acres - and a potential sewer fee of $16,300.
He and Palmer want to change the formula the city uses to levy sewer fees on commercial land.
“The only choice you have is to sell your land,” he said. “I don’t want to sell my land.”
, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: MEETINGS City residents will get their say on the project tonight at 7 at the Hayden Elementary School. The city also is hosting an open house at the Hayden City Hall from 3 to 6 p.m. to explain the project.