Middletown residents call for transparency amid sewer hookup compliance issues

Residents of Leferson Road in Middletown are expressing frustration over ongoing issues related to mandatory sanitary sewer hookups, which have led to significant financial burdens for compliant homeowners. During the recent city council meeting, a resident detailed the history of the sewer mandate, which began in 2019 when the health department required homeowners to connect to the sanitary sewer system. While most residents complied, five households have yet to do so, resulting in a disparity in sewer rates that has angered those who have adhered to the regulations.

The resident highlighted that since the mandate, those who connected to the sewer have seen their water rates double and sewer charges increase fourfold, while the non-compliant households continue to pay lower rates. Despite previous court actions that imposed fines on the violators, compliance has not improved, and the legal department has reportedly ceased further action on the matter.

In a separate discussion, another resident raised concerns about transparency in local government, particularly regarding the recent appointment of the new city manager, Ashley Combs. The resident, representing Middletown Connect, emphasized the need for clearer communication and engagement between the city council and the community. They noted confusion over the selection process for the city manager, which deviated from earlier communicated plans for a rotational leadership approach.

The discussions at the council meeting underscore a growing demand for accountability and transparency in municipal decisions, as residents seek to ensure fair treatment and clearer communication from their local government. As the city moves forward, addressing these concerns will be crucial for maintaining trust and fostering a collaborative relationship with the community.