In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the financial implications of a proposed $34 million upgrade to the county's wastewater treatment plant. Concerns were raised about the county's customer base and its ability to shoulder the financial burden of such an investment without imposing additional taxes.

One official highlighted that the current customer base is insufficient to cover the costs associated with the upgrade, suggesting that the financial responsibility would largely fall on taxpayers. The upgrade is designed to be implemented in smaller increments, allowing for gradual expansion as new users are added. This phased approach would enable the plant to increase its capacity by 250,000 to 500,000 gallons per day, rather than a full-scale upgrade to a million gallons per day all at once.

The discussion also touched on the operational challenges that would arise from a significant increase in customers. Currently, billing is managed by a small team, and officials acknowledged that a substantial increase in customer numbers would necessitate hiring additional staff to handle the increased workload.

Moreover, it was noted that the sewer system typically does not generate profit; rather, it is the water services that are financially viable, with water revenues often subsidizing sewer operations. This raises questions about the sustainability of funding for the wastewater treatment plant and the overall financial strategy moving forward.

As the county prepares for potential growth, the need for a robust infrastructure and a clear financial plan remains critical to ensure that both current and future residents are adequately served.