Killen reviews sewage options

KILLEN -- Judging from the comments made by the public at a town meeting Monday, Killen will need sewer service to support anticipated growth in the town.

The council held the meeting to provide information to the public about Killen's sewer service options and gather public input.

"We know it's coming," said Killen resident Tommy Bradford. "I'm glad to see it and I support it."

Property owner Don Behel said the town could face serious consequences if they are not prepared for the growth.

The information gathered at the meeting will be reviewed by the council, which will ultimately decide which route to take.

"I'm very pleased with what these people presented," Killen Mayor Jerry Mitchell said.

He said the topic would likely be discussed at next Monday's council meeting.

About 60-70 people filled the Brooks Elementary School cafeteria Monday to hear reasons why the town needs a sewer system.

Mitchell said there is little doubt that Killen is poised for growth that cannot be supported by septic systems as it is today. Preparing for that growth will ensure a better quality of life, he said.

The first phase of a sewer system would serve the commercial areas around Killen, primarily along U.S. 72 and J.C. Mauldin Highway.

Mitchell stressed that the town does not want to assess charges against home and business owners who do not want to hook up to the system.

Costs to those who want to hook on, he said, should be reasonable.

New residential and commercial developments would be required to hook onto the system but could apply for exemptions.

Several options were presented, including hooking onto Florence's sewer system, which could cost the town about $4 million just for building infrastructure needed to make the connection, according to the town's engineer, Don Price.

The town could allow a private company, such as Alabama Utility Services of Birmingham, to build and operate the plant.

The town would incur no debt, but rates would be set by the company.

The town could build its own system, operate it and set its own rates. It would then be liable for the debt incurred for the system's construction and operation.

Bill Blount, with the Montgomery Investment Banking Firm of Blount and Parrish, said another option would be the creation of a governmental utility services corporation that would be responsible for the debt.

Even better would be a governmental utility services corporation that would grant a franchise to a private company.

Kenneth Brooks, director of governmental services for the Northwest Alabama Council of Local Governments, said there are several types of grants the city could pursue. They all, he said, can take time to apply for and receive

A 100 percent grant, he said, would be "mighty ambitious."

Mike Doyle, general manager of the Florence Gas & Water Department, said the city's modern treatment facility was designed for expansion and could handle the additional load from Killen.

He said rates for Killen residents would be higher than those of customers in Florence, but he could not provide an estimate.

Chris Matthews of Alabama Utility Service, said his company is still looking for property that is suitable for a land application treatment facility in the area.

The company had looked at building a plant in the Bridge Road area outside town, but abandoned the idea because of economic reasons.

Rhea Fulmer, a member of a group formed to oppose the Bridge Road facility, said she spoke to residents near an Alabama Utility Services land application facility near Birmingham. She said they complained of odors caused by the plant.

Fulmer supported the idea of a sewer system for Killen, but believes hooking onto Florence would be the best option.

She said Killen needs to not only think of money, but also the environment.

Russ Corey can be reached at 740-5738 or russ.corey@timesdaily.com.