
The Marshall County Regional Sewer District released the following statement Thursday afternoon in response to the joint work session of the County Commissioners and Council on Wednesday night.
“It was obvious from last night’s meeting that the County Commissioners and Council had their minds made up prior to their joint session. They totally disregarded the statements and facts presented by Dr. Byron Holm, Marshall County’s Chief Health Officer, Alice Quinn of the Indiana Department of Health, and representatives of the Marshall County Regional Sewer District. While it is encouraging to hear that the council and commissioners stated they had allocated $500,000 to support individuals needing assistance, their actions seem to ignore the facts presented by respected professionals. Public officials should be supporting public health initiatives, not derailing them. They should be leading, not following. The District is sensitive to potential cost burden that connecting to an ultimate sewer project may pose, but the feasibility of doing so is greater than the continued use of on-site septic, and the cost also less. Information about low-interest loans and grants available through the USDA’s Single Family Housing Repair Loans and Grants are available on the District’s website.”