Weathersfield trustees oppose sewer fee

MINERAL RIDGE — Weathersfield Township trustees will send a letter of protest to the Trumbull County Board of Health, opposing a new $75 inspection fee that McKinley Heights residents tapping into Phase II of a sanitary sewer project will have to pay.

Trustee John Vogel said he learned of the new fee Friday when he attended a board of health meeting, and sent a flier to residents in McKinley Heights who will be affected by the charge.

An estimated 145 homes will be tapped into the new sewer line, and officials say they expect the $2.25 million project to be completed Oct. 5. The Trumbull County project was funded through federal and state funds, and a groundbreaking was held in February. Phase I was completed in 1998.

Areas in McKinley Heights included in the project area are: Gardenland, Longwood, Bellwood, Glenwood, Garfield and Harmon.

Low-to-moderate income families in the sewer line feed will be given reduced tie-in rates at $550, which are expected to be paid for by the grant. The inspection fee may also be covered.

Residents, who have a year to tie into the new sewer system, will need to have Niles inspect its tie-in plumbing and get it approved for the $75 fee.