Dear editor,
Last Wednesday, June 29, three longtime, taxpaying property owners attended the Ma-Me-O Beach council meeting. We were concerned about the on-going, wasteful spending for the wastewater sewer line that is not needed. The village’s bylaws require all property owners to have pump out septic systems.
Our concerns were increased by reports that $3 million was to be spent on a system that would not pump solid wastes out of holding tanks. In addition property owners would have to pay an estimated $15,000 to hook up to the sewer line, $1,400 for annual maintenance costs, up to $2,000 for yearly operating expenses and other “hidden costs”, including cleaning up and restoring landscapes. All of these costs and dislocations would provide no appreciable benefits, economically or ecologically, to our community.
On Saturday, July 9 at 10 a.m., an annual meeting will be held at the Ma-Me-O Village Hall. The proposed sewer pipeline will be a major item of discussion. If 65 to 70 property owners object to this proposal, a vote will be held to determine if this fiscally irresponsible venture should go on.
One wonders if the council’s failure to be open and transparent is appropriate in this era of government accountability to its taxpayers? The Barnhill family has paid increasing taxes for 69 years.
Al Barnhill,
Ma-Me-O cottage owner