The Reno County Commission appeared receptive Tuesday to creating a policy that would allow the health department to contract with a third-party engineer to review new septic systems proposed for use in Reno County.
The only real issue raised about the policy’s adoption during the 30-minute discussion was who should pay for the analysis. On the septic service issue, Commissioner Ron Sellers suggested the county look at a cost share for the engineering services after Commission Chairman Bob Bush raised concern the cost would be borne by homeowners, who are already paying for county’s services and will have to pay for installation of the system.
Reno County Health Department Director Nick Baldetti presented a sample scope of services which estimated consulting on a project would require about 28 hours, at an engineer’s wage of $163 per hour, or nearly $4,600. Baldetti said they receive two to four requests to look at new systems per year.
“I don’t have any definite feeling, but if you’re looking at $20,000 a year, if you go 50-50 it seems fair to me,” Sellers said. “The applicant would pay part of it, and the county pays part.”
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