Tim Harman updates commissioners on financial impact of IDEM order to dissolve Regional Sewer District

Tim Harman, President of the Marshall County Council, spoke during Monday’s Commissioners meeting about the Indiana Department of Environmental Management’s (IDEM) decision to dissolve the Marshall County Regional Sewer District. He said, “The letter really was a pretty strong rebuke of some of the things that have occurred and did not occur.”

Harman has spoken to the council’s attorney, Marcel Lebbin, asking him to investigate the financial implications for the county, the terms of the note, and whether any insurance could be used. He noted that the joint resolution stated the county would pay off the debt, not the taxpayers or those of the proposed sewer district.  Harmon estimated the debt at $1.3 million and said they have ample funds to pay it off, saying, “It sickens me because that is hard-earned tax dollars that could be used for better uses.”    

Harman said that each day the debt remains unpaid, roughly $500 in interest builds up for the bank. He recommended taking quick action to help settle the debt.

Although the Marshall County Regional Sewer District has 30 days to seek judicial review, Harmon publicly urged them not to pursue that, as the delay adds approximately $500 to the debt each day.

Harman did state, “I think the board members were doing their best to go about doing a project that no one has a lot of technical expertise. I think they received some very, very poor advice along the way with some of those consultants.”  He noted that most of the debt incurred by the Sewer Board was to pay the consultants.

Harman encouraged the Commissioners to contact the Sewer Board and urge them to accept the decision to save any additional costs.

Commissioner Jesse Bohannon suggested that the Sewer Board hold its meeting on Wednesday and vote against pursuing a judicial review.  He then recommended that the board immediately terminate their attorney, financial advisor, and consultants, and allow the dissolution to be handled by the county.  

County Attorney Sean Surrisi told the commissioner he contacted the Elkhart County Judge currently handling the case to remove Tom McFadden from the Regional Sewer District.