Frequently Asked Questions

“Indiana Code IC 13-26-1 through IC 13-26-14 gives legally established sewer district boards the authority to address pollution control projects. The powers and duties of such boards are listed in IC 13-26-5-2.”

“Pursuant to IC 13-26, the Adams County Commissioners, upon the recommendation of the Adams County Board of Health, petitioned the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) for an order directing the “Adams County Regional Sewer District” to be organized. Resolutions to support and approve the petition were signed by the Adams County Board of Health on December 3, 2008, and by the Adams County Council on December 9, 2008. The Adams County Commissioners signed the request for IDEM to approve the petition on December 9, 2008. Upon a lengthy review by IDEM, which included opportunity for public comment, IDEM Commissioner, Thomas Easterly, ordered the district be organized on September 24, 2009 and the order became effective after a required 33-day waiting period.”

“No. It is “user-oriented”. Taxes cannot be used for Regional Sewer Districts.”

"Each of the District's primary pump stations will be equipped with emergency power equipment."

"The District will own, operate and maintain the proposed collection systems for the duration of the proposed USDA-RD loan."

"Again, this will remain the District's responsibility for the term of the loan."

"The proposed monthly user fee is comprised of 3 components. A portion of the bill goes to repay the debt associated with the capital costs for the project. The second portion of the bill covers the costs associated with the operation, maintenance, administrative and replacement costs associated with the sewer utility. The final component of the bill pays for the treatment costs associated with the disposal of each area's sewage."

"The estimated project costs are based upon current construction costs as well as estimated professional fees. Total project costs are assumed to be borne equally by all of the targeted beneficiaries."

"Policy question for the board yet to be determined. The District will enact a rate ordinance that will provide for this post-construction connection situation."

"IC 13-26-5-2.5 provides for a septic system exemption to connection, provided the septic system is an approved onsite system that is in full compliance with Indiana State Department of Health Rule 410 IAC 6-8.1. However, this simply delays the eventual connection to the proposed sanitary sewer system."

"Following your connection to the proposed municipal sewer, the area that used to provide for the disposal of your sewage will provide additional opportunities to site a new well. Water supply will not be affected or impacted by the proposed project. Draining sewage from a septic tank to a county or state waterway contributes to stream pollution and violates state and federal laws and the county sewage ordinance. Property owners need to be aware that homes are becoming more difficult to sell if they are not in compliance with environmental laws or are contributing to a public health hazard."