Pima County welcomes an end to the Marana wastewater dispute
Wednesday, March 13th, 2013
With Marana voters decisively giving Town officials the authority to run their own wastewater treatment system, Pima County welcomes moving toward a final resolution.
“Given our longstanding experience with running a regional system, we know that running a sewer plant is a significant undertaking, but Pima County is pleased to support the Town in its efforts and offers our expertise and assistance as the Town proceeds,” said Pima County Administrator Chuck Huckelberry.
Town officials already have accepted a settlement offer extended by the Pima County Board of Supervisors in December, which agreed upon a purchase price of $18.2 million for the Marana Wastewater Reclamation Facility. The agreement states Marana will serve a designated management area inNorth Marana, while the County will retain sewer service for the balance of the Town.
Aside from the purchase price, the settlement was contingent upon Town voters agreeing they wanted to get into the wastewater treatment business and upon Marana working to repeal legislation that allowed the Town to take over the plant at less than fair market value.
“We’re pleased to have certainty on whether the Town has the legal ability to operate the plant,” Huckelberry said, “and we look forward to working with Marana in ensuring the economic vibrancy of this entire region.”
