Solon is building beyond its infrastructure-not just sewer, but law enforcement, traffic capacity, streets, staffing, equipment. Handling the sewer debt, our largest project ever, without neglecting other problems or impacting lower and fixed income residents, may prove difficult.
By Council’s own description, sewer debt ($27.5 million) is an estimate, but so are proposals to pay it – therefore “subject to change based on increases in cost as well as actual operating revenues and expenditures (including maintenance).”
How high, how long will we raise sewer rates and debt levy, and tie up cash reserves, TIF and LOST funds? We need a new sewer, but size and cost are now determined by our developments. Likewise for new wells and also current ground storage tank (2017), debt due in 2036, which was compromised with addition of Trail Ridge. We’ll need another tank now.
Residential development doesn’t pay for itself. At a minimum, it doesn’t generate enough revenue up front for infrastructure cost. Solon Residents are left with higher fees and taxes.
Solon’s Council is asking us to sign a blank check for “growth” and the infrastructure and service problems that accompany it. We have “environmental studies” for our sewer’s impact. Yet, we’re dumping more unregulated traffic on city streets each year with no health, safety, or environmental concerns or study. This, while the whole country seeks to reduce carbon emissions.
We ask Council to slow down, follow protocol (no more ignoring Planning and Zoning) and present fiscal impact analysis with each development, so we have full public access to information – costs and alternatives. And then, please hold public hearings where questions are presented and answered before any vote.
Antonia Russo
Solon