BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
Multiple residents of Ward 1 in Millbrook were present at the last city Council meeting, some with concerns and questions regarding septic systems, and their desire for the city to provide sewer service for the city water/sewer system.
We reached out to Michael Harris, the Director of Millbrook Utilities, which includes water and sewage.
Harris said that it is first important to residents who are buying a home in Millbrook, to know if they have a septic system, or city water/sewer. If they want to get on city water/sewer, the expense to run a line on their property to their home would be at their expense. (See breakdown of costs for new service below) But first, the home must be in close proximity to existing lines, or the expense can be astronomical for the city and/or resident.
Another important factor is whether the home is in actual city limits, or the police jurisdiction. Only homes/businesses in city limits can be provided city water/sewage service per the requirements of the bond.
Harris said he has an open door policy, and anyone with questions for a specific property is invited to contact him at the Utilities Department. He also provided a breakdown of expenses for new sewer service:
From Millbrook Utilities
Michael Harris, Director
SEWER COST BREAKDOWN FOR NEW SEWER
1. Any residential or commercial building has to be located inside the City limits of Millbrook to be able to connect sewer.
2. Tap fees are $2,500.
3. Sewer Surcharge is $1,000 per lot when more than two houses are involved.
4. A one-time Maintenance fee of $50 is due at sign up for sewer services.
5. Monthly charge for residential sewer is $24
6. Monthly charge for commercial sewer is $31 depending on the number of chairs per Barber Shops/Beauty Shops, Nail Salons, Restaurants; and depending on the number of restrooms in use for other commercial buildings.
7. Installation cost is $90 per foot – gravity-including manhole and pipe (price could change due to conditions.)
8. If a pump is needed the cost is $4,000 if the house cannot gravity flow. This will be at the expense of the homeowner.
9. Homeowner is responsible for contracting a plumber to connect with city sewer.
To contact Harris, or for more information about the Utility Department including sewer visit the website at https://cityofmillbrook.org/departments/utility-department/
One of those who spoke about sewer concerns was Shirley Daniel, a resident on Henry Court.
She said that she had a septic system installed in 1999 in a new home construction. “Here it is 2021 and we remain on a septic system. About two and a half weeks ago we woke up with a plumbing issue. I had to call Roto Rooter…that is an expense. It is not always in everyone’s budget. There may be a problem with my septic tank. We need to do something about this. When you have to maintain a septic system in order for it to function properly, and we’re paying taxes? That should not be. The septic system has to be pumped every three to five years. There is also maintenance. Everybody is not even educated on how to maintain their septic system. The inconvenience of having a septic system in your yard….there is a public safety issue with having septic systems in your yard.”
With the progress and developments coming to Millbrook, she asked for help.
“As a concerned, tax paying citizen, I am requesting that as we progress and develop, that we get rid of the septic system, and actually make Millbrook sewage service available for all,” she said.
Other residents also addressed the council in the public comment section on other concerns:
Janice Wilson, who owns multiple properties in Ward 1, also spoke. “I have seen some improvement. However our properties around Oliver Drive… the roads, paving of the roads. It is a mess. I hear everything everyone is saying about all the development going around, but we need something on that road as well. I am a law abiding, tax paying citizen. I can appreciate the things that have been done but what I am saying is don’t forget about us. Thank you Councilman Thomas for what you are doing. You are with us and we are with you. So we have to be a part of everything. And now we are here with all of you. If things are going to be different I feel we have all have to be different.”
Resident Dorothy Milton addressed the council concerning an elderly friend on Canton Road who has a house in very bad shape, in need of a new roof and work done. “I am just asking if the council can do anything to help her and her son with a roof on their home. With all of the weather we have had, it has turned really terrible now. If you could be a help to her it would really bless not only me, but her.”
Editor’s Note: As stated above, a city cannot legally do any work on private property. Short of making a voluntary, personal donation, city officials cannot get involved with personal property, officials said. However, there are agencies that may be able to assist, depending on the situation. With the number of people in this area, including churches, it is possible a fund could be established to help with improvements. We often help publicize funds such as this, and will be happy to help once a fund is established.
