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1. How exactly would an expanded water line project be funded?

Water line construction could be funded through the creation of a special tax district, if approved, with costs covered by property owners in the water line expansion phases (who possess water-using dwellings/structures). If petitioned to do so, following three weeks of public advertisement and a public hearing, the Board of Supervisors could vote to enact an ordinance allowing Campbell County to assess an extra tax on each property in a water line expansion area (those with plumbing systems). The tax rate (an increase of approximately $1,000 - $1,200 per year per property, for the Evington project) would be based on the actual costs associated with the project’s construction and would be assessed over 20 years or until the project’s costs were fully covered. Revenue from the tax would be held in a special water line fund and only used for that purpose.

2. When would water line taxes be due?

Water line taxes would be due at the same time as Campbell County real estate taxes (December 5 of each year); the amount due would be listed on the yearly tax billing sheet sent from the County to property owners.

3. How many land owners need to commit to water line expansion for the project to move forward in the Evington area?

If 66% of those in the water line expansion areas (who own properties with habitable residences or other structures that need drinking water), commit via petition, a connection to public water service (pending a public hearing and Board approval) would be mandatory for all land owners who possess structures with plumbing systems in that special service area.

For the Evington project, a total of 81 (47 for Phase I and 34 for Phase II) commitments must be received for Board of Supervisors consideration.

4. Would everyone in the proposed water line expansion area have to pay a special tax to cover water-line construction costs?

No. Only owners of developed properties with habitable dwellings (houses, mobile homes, apartments, etc.) or other structures with plumbing would be obligated to connect to the water line and to pay the yearly water line tax and other associated fees. New connections would pay at the time of connection to the service. All properties developed in the future (within the water line expansion area) would be required to connect to the public water service.

5. Would I have to connect if enough property owners chose to opt-in on the project?

Yes. If enough signatures are obtained via petition and the Board of Supervisors approves the water line expansion project/accompanying special tax district, everyone who owns developed land (which contains structures that need access to water) would be required to connect to the public water service and would be taxed for the construction associated with extending the water line to that area; this connection and taxation would be mandatory.

6. What would I have to pay now and in the future if the water-line project is approved?

It is estimated that owners of developed properties would have an up-front cost of approximately $5,000 to connect to the water line. This would include:
- Availability fee - $1,900
- Connection fee - $1,500
- Account establishment fee - $50
- A private plumbing service to connect a home/structure’s water system to the public line - approximately $500 - $1,000

On average a family of three (3) pays approximately $550 in water usage rates each year. Above that, for water line construction with fire protection, the long-term expense would be approximately $21,500 per property, which would be paid via a 20 year district tax (the yearly water line tax is estimated to range from $1,000 - $1,200 per year per developed land plot). All of these expenses would be in addition to the initial set-up and connection costs listed above. CCUSA rates/fees can be found by visiting the CCSUA website.

7. Are there penalties if I could not pay the special water-line tax?

Yes. Failure to pay the water line tax would result in the same penalties as a delinquency on paying real estate taxes. Outside of late fees/charges, a lien could be placed against the property and the land foreclosed upon if water line taxes were not submitted according to local laws and established time frames.

8. Do both phases of water line development have to be approved for the project to be constructed?

No. Phase I can proceed with 66% support from land owners of developed properties (and Board approval) for its area. However, Phase II water line construction would be contingent on Phase I construction being supported by owners of developed properties in that area and ultimately completed before Phase II could begin.

9. Do I have to connect/pay a special tax if I own undeveloped property in the area?

No, not initially. Undeveloped properties which do not contain habitable dwellings or water-accessing structures are not included in the proposed water line development, nor would they be taxed for public water line construction. However, those developing properties in the future (within the designated water line expansion district) would pay up-front water connection costs and service charges at whatever rates exist at that time. Additionally, back-taxes for the water-line would be assessed up-front to cover the gap between the time the special tax district was initiated to the time of the new connection to catch-up to the regular 20 year taxation schedule.

10. Would this tax be charged to my property forever or just for a specific period of time?

If approved by the Board, a special tax district would be set up for only a twenty year period (at maximum); the taxing district would be repealed as soon as the cost of the project was paid.

11. Do I have to stop using my well if I connect to a public water line?

As a structure can only have one primary source of water, the public water line would replace the need for a water well connection; again, connection to the line would be mandatory for any building with a plumbing system. However, a well would not have to be closed if the property owner chose to keep it operational for other uses outside of providing drinking water on-site (watering gardens, washing vehicles, etc.).

12. If the water-line project does not move forward, what other options do I have for securing drinkable water long-term?

Many options are available to obtain long-term water supplies, including: contracting water service professionals to lower a well pump in the existing well shaft or re-drilling a well; working with neighbors to drill a deep well system capable of supporting multiple families; or installing a cistern (water storage) system on-site. Funding support for water-related issues is offered through various agencies which provide grant opportunities and reduced rate financing (for those who qualify).