From left, Leesburg Council member Doug Jones and Council President Tom Moore. InkFreeNews photo by Lasca Randels

By Lasca Randels
InkFreeNews

LEESBURG — A decision was made to move forward with a sewer rate review at a cost of $7,500.

Leesburg Town Council approved the plan at its meeting Monday, Dec. 13.

The town will work with the consulting firm Baker Tilly on the rate review.

The issue was raised at the November council meeting when Council President Tom Moore said the town hasn’t had a sewer rate review in some time.

“The older the system gets, in all likelihood, the more costly it’s going to be,” Moore said Monday. “It’s a $7,500 commitment, but it’s also one I think we need to make.”

Council member Doug Jones and Council Vice President Christina Archer agreed.

“They’ll look at it and tell us whether we’re on track or not,” Jones said.

“I think it’s a wise investment,” Archer said. “I”m glad we’re taking a proactive attitude toward this rather than reacting after we have a problem.”

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

The cost of a new replacement pump is estimated at $2,500 and the town has 210 pumps.

“I don’t need a calculator to know that’s a lot of money,” Moore said, adding that “each one of us could do a little more toward extending the life of these pumps.”

This led to talk about sewer violations. Last month, council members talked about implementing a fine system for repeat violators.

Increased efforts have been made for several years to educate property owners on what items cannot be flushed. Non-flushable items include baby wipes, wet wipes, feminine products, paper towels, diapers, pills, condoms, dental floss, Q-tips and cotton balls.

Moore said the town’s sewer ordinance specifies that there can be a penalty for these violations. He asked council members to think about how they would like to handle the issue of repeat violators.

In another matter, Leesburg Street Commissioner Craig Charlton provided a monthly update. Charlton issued a reminder that sidewalks are the responsibility of the property owner and are to be kept clear of snow to provide safe passage, per town ordinance 93.55B.

Town council would like to remind all Leesburg residents of the following: No parking on any street between 3-5 a.m. (every day); no burning anything anytime; and please be mindful of what you flush.

In other news: 

• The 2022 salary ordinance, which included a 4% raise for town employees, excluding elected officials, was adopted.
• Strong winds led to a change of plans regarding the annual Leesburg Candelaria. The Christmas party took place as scheduled last weekend; however, event organizers made the decision to wait and light the luminarias at dusk this coming Saturday, Dec. 18.
• A proposed traffic control agreement between Leesburg and Claypool continues to be on hold as options are being investigated regarding insurance coverage.
• The next regular meeting will be 6:30 p.m. Jan. 10.

From left, Leesburg Town Council President Tom Moore and Council Vice President Christina Archer. InkFreenews photo by Lasca Randels