Fairview residents question sewer rate increases

     Several residents in Fairview attended the June 26 Jones County Supervisor meeting to express their concern with EIRUSS and rate increases associated with the Fairview Sanitary Sewer System.

     Karen Bixler spoke on behalf of the residents, with Mark Schneider of EIRUSS also present to answer questions. EIRUSS oversees the sanitary sewer and water systems in both Fairview and Center Junction.

     Bixler said they had a $4.50 rate increase in one year, followed by a $15 rate increase the next year.

     “The problem is lack of information,” she said of not being kept informed by EIRUSS or the county. “What is going on and why is this being done?” she asked.

     She said a Fairview resident tried contacting ECIA, which manages EIRUSS, but they never receive a response.

     “Can we have one of our members on the board so we know what’s happening with our money?” Bixler asked of a resident having representation on the EIRUSS board. Supervisor Lloyd Eaken currently sits on the board as a county representative.

     Bixler said they would like to be kept apprised of the meetings, minutes, and balance sheets. Schneider offered anyone could access EIRUSS’ balance sheets by visiting the ECIA website.

     “Most people here don’t own a computer,” Bixler said of the Fairview residents.

     As for the rate increases, Schneider said it’s simply due to skyrocketing operating expenses.

     “Our operating expenses are above what we’ve been able to bare the last several years,” he shared.

     The USDA is EIRUSS’ funding source on the sewer and water systems, but expenses keep increasing. Schneider said they have to increase rates to keep up with expenses.

     Bixler also asked why the system is experiencing leaks when it’s still so new. Schneider said the leaks are attributed to the trailer park’s lagoon system, and that the trailer park would be financially covering the smoke tests, not EIRUSS.

     Schneider said there was also a system failure due to a grinder pump, which only had a two-year warranty. After installing a new pump, he said there have been no further issues.

     In response to Bixler’s request for a citizen representative, Schneider said their by-laws only allow for one supervisors/representative from each of the five counties EIRUSS serves. Jones County already has that position filled.

     “They (EIRUSS) have public meetings,” said Supervisor Joe Oswald. “Anyone can go to them if they want.”

     Schneider said he would keep Bixler and the residents notified on the agendas in regards to their meetings on the fourth Wednesday of the month.

In other county business:

     • No bids were received for a used 1996 Chevy S10 pickup truck.

     • County Treasurer Amy Picray presented the county and Solid Waste Commission’s quarterly investment reports.

     The county has CDs at five different banks in Jones County.

     “It’s nice to spread the money around the county,” remarked Picray.

     The county’s total in CDs is at $2.870 million, up about $700,000 from a year ago.

     The total in CDs, MMF (money market funds), and checking is at $20.228 million, up $390,000. Total assets are at $28.087 million, up $1.8 million. Picray said the increase is due to the fluctuation in the MHDS regional account.

     The landfill’s total assets are at $2.097 million, down $125,000 from a year ago.

     • The board approved the final plat of Lauren’s Addition subdivision in Fairview Township.

     • The board set a public hearing for Tuesday, July 17 at 9:30 a.m. to re-zone four parcels in Lovell Township from R-Residential to A-Ag. The parcels are off 150^th Street near Monticello.

     • The board approved the hiring of Heather Weers of Anamosa as the new DECAT and CPPC program coordinator. They also approved an employment coordination agreement.

     • The board approved amending the Jones County Five Year Construction Program to swap funding for the County Road E-34 project.

     • The board renewed the county engineer’s three-year employment contract, now expiring June 30, 2021. No changes were made to the contract.

     • The board approved a partial acquisition contract for a bridge replacement on 140^th Avenue for $5,950 for .7 acres. County Engineer Derek Snead said the project would take place next fall, with a letting yet this year. There are four landowners along the project corridor.

     • County Attorney Phil Parsons introduced new Assistant County Attorney Todd Chelf to the board of supervisors. Chelf stems from Des Moines County, and has experience in felony-level sexual assault and murder cases. Parsons said Chelf would assist with magistrate and juvenile court cases.

     “He’s an asset to Jones County, hopefully for years to come,” praised Parsons.

     Chelf said he used to live in Jones County 20 years ago. He said his wife and four children plan to relocate to the area.

     • The board received three bids for the replacement of the roof on Memorial Hall in Wyoming. The bids ranged from $23,906 to $53,550. Due to the wide range of bids, the board voted to table approval until their next meeting.

     • The board approved a grant agreement with the IDNR for the Derelict Building Grant Program related to county property at 311 W. Main St. in Wyoming (former Dirks Oil Station). The grant will be used to abate asbestos and remove the building and concrete.

     • The board approved water rate increases in Center Junction at $5 more per month. They also approved sewer rate increases for both Center Junction and Fairview at $4 and $15 a month respectively.