Ellendale residents seek water district

Ellendale residents have already rejected a plan for a Sussex County water district, but enough residents want a district for the county to try again. The county has received petitions from at least 50 residents to re-start the process.

County officials will meet with residents at the Ellendale Fire Co. at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 16, to explain the plan. Following that meeting, county council will vote on establishing a water district. Once the district is established, county staff will develop a detailed cost estimate with a goal of keeping average rates less than $400 per year.

A public hearing will be scheduled and a referendum could take place in the fall.

Under the proposed plan, Artesian Water Co. will supply water and water meters and do maintenance on the system. County staff will provide billing services.

“Why is Sussex County involved? Doesn't Artesian do its own projects?” asked Councilman Rob Arlett, R-Frankford.

County Administrator Todd Lawson said a key to creating a new water district is keeping rates low. “The county has access to grant funding from state and federal sources to make it more affordable. A private company would not have the same opportunity,” he said.

In addition, in a privately run system, potential customers can opt-out of hooking in, which drives up the rates, with fewer customers to spread out the costs, said county engineer Hans Medlarz.

County Finance Director Gina Jennings assured council that taxpayers would not be subsidizing the district.

Medlarz said Artesian also plans to build a new water tower in Ellendale.