Water and sewer charges for vacant properties to begin in January

POMEROY–The Pomeroy City Council announced that they will begin charging 25% of current water and sewer rates for vacant properties, heard a request for alley vacation, and approved an application for a Department of Health Drinking Water State Revolving Fund grant at their meeting on October 10.

The council announced that software issues that delayed collection of vacant property water and sewer fees of 25% of current rates have been fixed and collection will begin January 1. The decision to charge for vacant properties was approved in 2021, based upon the fact that the vacant buildings still have water lines and equipment that must be maintained.

Beau Blachly presented a request for alley vacation on the alley north of State Street. Part of the alley was excavated several years ago and will be cost and labor prohibitive to fix. There is other access available to properties above the alley in the event of future development. The council will hold a public hearing on the alley vacation at their next meeting on November 7.

An application to the Washington State Department of Health for a grant from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund was approved. If the grant is approved by the DOH, the funds will be used for the booster pump project.

The council also heard a presentation from the Pomeroy Chamber of Commerce on their cohesive sign project. The Chamber has raised $41,500 for the project itself and anticipate raising enough to cover taxes and fees within the next few months. They estimated beginning construction in March or April of 2024, weather permitting.