Township board to discuss wastewater plans

CADILLAC - Plans to construct a wastewater treatment facility in Haring Township could be in motion Monday.

The Haring Township Board of Trustees is being presented a resolution that would allow its consultant to go ahead with design work and plans for the construction of a facility.

“What this is, is an attempt for infrastructure in the township to catch up with the growth that's already in the township,” said township Supervisor Bob Scarbrough. “And it's necessary in my opinion.”

Gary Voogt from Moore and Bruggink told the township board at a special meeting in June that it is feasible for the township to construct the facility. Although the board took no action, feedback from the seven members indicated they were favorable to the idea.

Some said the main concern was that township property would be continually annexed to the city until it was gone.

“I think it's important to the future of the township that we get it done,” Scarbrough said.

Voogt estimated it would cost the township about $3.3 million to construct a facility and begin to service customers, including Baker College. The estimate is that it could be completed in two or more years. Efforts to service Baker and surrounding residents with municipal water would cost an additional $2.2 million.

Baker College Cadillac President Bob VanDellen sent a letter to Scarbrough regarding the plan. If Baker cannot be serviced in a timely manner, it plans to request a 425 agreement, to allow it to become part of the city of Cadillac.

The correspondence asks if Haring intends to design and install a facility and, if so, when. Also, it inquires about the hookup costs and monthly use charge and if the township can provide suitable water service to the campus.

Although VanDellen was unavailable for comment Friday, he said previously that Baker needs it before the fall of 2008.

Haring Township has acquired property adjacent to U.S. 131 and is in the process of getting more and developing a timeline. Scarbrough said the township also is working to improve communications with the Wexford County Department of Public Works, which would likely be tapped to manage the utility.

“One thing that has to be clear, the users are going to have to pay the majority of the cost of this,” Scarbrough said. “We're going to try to do this project without having additional taxes from other residents of the township - I think that's necessary.”

mwhetstone@cadillacnews.com | 775-NEWS (6397)