Sewers

The best governmental structure for delivery of sewer service in Clark County is a county-wide (possibly less) multi-service district with an adequate tax-base. Adequate financing should be provided through a single taxing district such as general obligation bonds for area-wide benefits, state and federal grants when available, and revenue bonds. Cost of the system should be paid by beneficiaries in proportion to the benefits received. User fees should pay for maintenance and operation, hook-up fees for extension of lines and total system investment cost, and a general utility tax for benefits received by the community as a whole.

The state law that requires hook-up within two years by owners of property adjoining sewer lines should be enforced. Immediate hook-up for failing septic systems should also be enforced with payments spaced over a period of time. Individual septic tank drain field systems are acceptable when there is no sewer service and where they met the requirements of the Southwest Washington Health District. Adequate staff should be provided to enforce health regulations.

We agree with the goals of the sewer guidelines, the sewer service areas and the Clark County comprehensive land use plan to prevent leap-frogging development, to minimize cost and to utilize good planning and engineering. Governmental units should be responsible for providing sewer service outside its corporate boundaries only if cost-effective or to honor past commitments. However, annexation for providing sewer service is more desirable.
(1982)