The city of International Falls announced Monday it will not proceed with a proposal to extend sewer service to the Papermakers area based on the results of a survey of property owners.
A total of 89 property owners were mailed surveys: 66 surveys were returned, with 14 property owners responding yes, they would like to proceed with the project; 52 property owners responded no. One survey was returned but left blank.
“Based upon the result of the survey we will not be proceeding with this project,” Councilor Gail Rognerud, chair of the International Falls Infrastructure and Public Works Committee, stated. “We would like to thank those property owners who responded and all those who have an interest in this project.”
The city of International Falls was approached by several property owners in Papermakers and Meadowview about extending sewer service to these areas.
The city determined the cost of extending sewer to Papermakers is approximately $1.16 million. The cost of extending sewer to Meadowview is approximately $1.5 million on top of the cost of Papermakers because to serve Meadowview the city must first extend the sewer to Papermakers for a total cost of $2.68 million.
The city had determined that the total project was too big for the city to do in one phase and surveyed property owners in Papermakers to determine their interest in proceeding with that portion of the project.
Property owners were told that for the city to proceed with the project their properties would have to be annexed into the city and the properties assessed for the cost. Property owners were advised of the costs for their specific property and asked to respond to a survey of interest. For a typical property of 165 feet the cost to the property owner would be approximately $7,679.65 for assessment and hook-up fee.
For more information contact city Administrator Rod Otterness in the city of International Falls Administration Department at 283-9484.
