Andrew Meyerhofer, left, and Matt Zarbo with Square Engineering discuss the proposed sewer extension around Chautauqua Lake. P-J photo by Gregory Bacon

MAYVILLE – Residents who will be required to tap into the new proposed sewer extension along Chautauqua Lake may end up spending around $800 to $1,200 annually, plus thousands of dollars for the initial connection fee.

During the recent county legislature meeting, a public hearing was held for the proposed sewer extension which would run from Chautauqua Lake Estates to Midway State Park. This is the remaining section around the lake that does not have public sewers.

The cost of the entire project is $35,590,000. Matt Zarbo with Square Engineering said this is the maximum cost, which includes contingency costs.

The county is in the process of applying for grants. They’re hoping to obtain 50-75% of the funds through grants. If they don’t reach at least 50%, county officials said they will not move forward with the project.

Zarbo said for sewers the county bills each Equivalent Dwelling Unit. A single family home would be one EDU, while a duplex would be two EDUs. For commercial properties, they are charged one EDU per 17,500 gallons of water used.

Zarbo said the estimated billing can vary greatly, depending on grant funding.

Early estimates are residents would be charged $354 a year for operation and maintenance, plus $457-$914 a year for the capital debt. Zarbo said the capital debt is the piece that can change depending on grant funds.

Combining those two costs, the county will likely charge residents $811-$1,268 per EDU per year.

Zarbo said those prices do not include connecting to the sewer system and decommissioning their current septic system.

“The exact cost of that work is certainly going to vary from property to property, but generally speaking, it’s estimated at $5,000 to $7,000,” he said.

Zarbo said there are programs for low income residents and senior citizens to apply for if they need assistance.

Following Zarbo’s presentation a number of residents asked Zarbo questions regarding specifics.

One resident noted that his summer home is part of a group of homes that share a septic tank. Zarbo said in that case, it appears the group of homes will be able to split the connection costs.

Another resident asked if there was a discount for temporary residents versus permanent residents, which Zarbo said there is not.

“It’s the infrastructure you’re paying for. … It doesn’t matter if you’re there for the Fourth of July weekend or if you’re there all year,” he said.

For septic tanks, Zarbo said when a contractor is brought in, that person can either break the septic tank so it doesn’t hold water or fill it in. The key is that the septic tank must be decommissioned.

Zarbo also went over the timeline.

He said this year the county is attempting to gain all the necessary grant funding. Should it be successful, the county will hire a design consultant to do the final design of the project.

Zarbo said the design of the project would likely go to 2027.

“The earliest construction could start would be sometime in 2027. Likely it would be later in 2027 or early 2028,” he said.

Once construction begins, Zarbo said it’s expected to take 18 months to complete.

Legislator Tom Carle, D-Fredonia, asked if someone can opt out of connecting to the project, to which Zarbo said they cannot, according to county law.

Zarbo added that there are referendums that can be sought for a public vote if a resident disapproves of the project once it becomes finalized.

Following the presentation and public discussion, the legislature authorized a number of resolutions to begin the process to apply for grant funds for the project.