Friday, Apr 15 2011 11:30PM
One Arizona town may soon take ownership of the local wastewater plant, which is currently operated by Pima County.
A recent vote by Arizona lawmakers would allow the city of Marana to take ownership of a local sewage treatment plant that is currently owned by Pima County, according to the Arizona Daily Star.
The bill allowing the transfer of the wastewater treatment facility, which was given preliminary approval in the state's House of Representatives, would permit the city to purchase the plant outright, irrespective of the county's desire, and for the cost of the remaining debt on the plant, rather than its fair value.
Pima County is one of the rare places in which a wastewater facility falls under county ownership, as the source says they are usually owned by cities and towns. Though the plant was not originally in Marana, as the rural area grew, the sewage facility came to lie within city boundaries.
Some believe part of the argument is sparked by financial concerns, including the county potentially not receiving full compensation for the plant as well as the possibility that wastewater treatment rates will be higher under the town's ownership, the Star says. However, Marana officials say
wastewater services will continue to be offered at prices similar to the current rates.
A Pima county official recently told the Explorer News that the wastewater treatment plant in question is one of 11 plants the county operates.