From left, Leesburg Sanitary Sewer Commissioner Derek Tenney and Leesburg Street Commissioner Craig Charlton discuss septic issues during Monday night’s meeting. InkFreeNews photo by Lasca Randels

By Lasca Randels
InkFreeNews

LEESBURG —  The ongoing issue of prohibited items being flushed down the septic system may soon result in penalties.

The matter was discussed during the Leesburg Town Council meeting Monday, Nov. 8.

Increased efforts, such as distributing flyers and speaking with homeowners, have been made over the last several years to educate residents about what items cannot be flushed.  

Baby wipes, wet wipes, feminine products, paper towels, diapers, pills, condoms, dental floss, Q-tips and cotton balls should never be flushed.

“Our sewer ordinance specifies that there can be a penalty for these violations, so think about if we want to implement a fine system and how you might want to do that,” Council President Tom Moore said. “Is it on the first offense, the second offense or the eighteenth offense, because it appears that some of the offenders are repeat offenders and we may have to get their attention, so just think about it.”

The subject will be addressed again at the December meeting.

“I would bear in mind one other thing,” Council member Doug Jones said. “Remember that some people share these pods with other individuals, so that will play into this.”

“That’s true, that’s true,” Moore agreed. “It’s also going to play into the sewer rate review.”

“I don’t disagree, but it comes down to how you punish somebody who may or may not be a contributing factor to the issue,” Jones replied.

Council members agreed it’s the repeat offenders that are the issue.

“I”m going to say something that I’ve tried to avoid saying, but I’m going to put it out there,” Jones said. “Whenever you pay for a service, there’s a sense of entitlement. And I think a lot of people don’t realize that when they put that stuff down the toilet, I don’t think they realize how much damage they’re doing. So my message to anybody that cares to read would be not to do that because it costs everybody money, including themselves. I know you’re paying $73, but that doesn’t mean you can flush grease and wipes and diapers and all the other stuff that’s going down the pipes.”

In a related matter, Moore said the town has not had a sewer rate review in some time and asked Jones and Council Vice President Christina Archer what their thoughts are on pursuing that.

“Well, we’re required to do it and it’s been a while and we’re probably past our required due date would be my guess,” Jones said. “I think we owe it to our bondholders to …”

Town attorney Vern Landis confirmed that the town is overdue for a rate review.

“The downside is it’s an expensive process for the town,” Jones said, explaining that an independent firm will have to come in and review the books.

Council members said they’ve worked hard to hold the rates.

Jones said he has property in other towns “and to maintain the same rate for 11 years or more is unheard of.”

Landis will contact Baker Tilly to make arrangements to proceed with the rate review.

In another matter, the town of Leesburg will be receiving $124,626 in American Rescue Plan funds from the federal government. Leesburg Clerk-Treasurer Michael Searfoss said the money is being dispersed in two installments, the first of which the town has already received.

Council discussed how to use the funds, ultimately deciding it would best benefit the town by using the money for infrastructure improvements such as curbs, gutters, street sealing and sewer projects.

In another matter, a proposed traffic control agreement between Leesburg and Claypool continues to be on hold as options are being investigated regarding insurance coverage.

The contract stems from speeding issues the Town of Leesburg has been experiencing for some time. Leesburg has no police department.

Under the current proposal, Claypool Police would provide about 384 hours of patrol services for Leesburg each year at an annual cost of around $5,000.

Jones will be contacting a third party insurance provider to see what options are available for coverage of a part-time reserve deputy.

It was announced during the meeting Monday that Landis will be easing into semi-retirement in 2022. Nick Jacobs of Rockhill PInnick LLP will take over as the new Leesburg town attorney at that time.

Moore pointed out that Landis, in particular, and the firm of Rockhill Pinnick have been providing legal representation for the town “for a very long time. I believe since the late 60s.”

As always, town officials would like to remind Leesburg residents of the following: There is to be no parking on any street between 3-5 a.m. This applies all seven days of the week; no burning anything anytime; and please be mindful of what you flush.

In other news:

• The 2022 salary ordinance will be drafted by legal counsel in preparation for approval at the December council meeting. Council approved a 4% raise for town employees, excluding elected officials.
• Due to ongoing issues with supply shortage and pricing increases, a decision was made to purchase 10 backup septic pumps at this time.
• The annual candelaria will be from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 11.
• The next regular meeting will be 6:30 p.m. Dec. 13.

From left, Leesburg Town Attorney Vern Landis and Leesburg Councilman Doug Jones at Monday night’s meeting. InkFreeNews photo by Lasca Randels