RIPLEY — The Board Room in the Ripley Town Hall on North State Street was filled to capacity and more as residents sought information and answers about the new sewer and water districts.

More than 50 Ripley residents, many who live along Route 20 in Sewer District No. 2, attended the informational meeting on last month. At issue were the sewer and water projects that are poised to take place in the new districts and could cost residents up to $1,500 annually for the next 38 years.

Town Supervisor Doug Bowen began the meeting with a brief history of Sewer District No. 2 and Water District No. 5, which were initially discussed in 2014. “A lot of work has gone into it on our side, trying to find financing,” Bowen said.

Bowen and town council members have been working on a four-phase project to upgrade and expand Ripley’s sewer and water system since early in 2015. The board passed a resolution officially establishing “The Town of Ripley Sewer District No. 2” in August 2016.

In September 2017, it was announced that Ripley will receive $750,000 in federal grant funds through Rural Utilities Service and $99,000 through the Rural Business Service for Sewer District No. 2. Bowen said the sewer cost is estimated at $1.950,000.

Bowen also said the town has obtained $750,000 in grant money for Water District #5 from the USDA Rural Development, as well as a $639,000 loan, payable at 6.625% over the next 38 years.

“It all comes down to dollars and cents,” Bowen said. “Part of the regulations for forming the water and sewer districts is that those living in the districts have to help cover the costs.” In this case, it is estimated that the sewer cost per unit will be $790 annually and the cost for the water project will be $756 annually, he added.

Many of the residents who were present said that not only were these costs unaffordable, but they did not know about the proposed projects until they received requesting easement to dig on their properties.

Route 20 resident Don Chess stated that the sewer project is unnecessary for those living along that highway. “Along Route 20, we have excellent septic systems. A lot of people here today are concerned that we are paying for something we don’t need,” he said. “And the cost is almost as high as the state ceiling.”

Bowen responded that he understands the frustration of the folks along Route 20 who already have working systems. “Unfortunately we would get in a lot of trouble if we tried to stop the process now,” he said.

Also attending the meeting to answer questions were Councilman John Trevelline, Richard Dixon of the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency, Bill Boria of the Chautauqua County Health Department, Donald McCord, Deputy Director of the Chautauqua County Department Planning & Economic Development, Seth Krull of Clark, Patterson, Lee and Attorney Michael Bollander.

Town and county officials said that the sewer and water projects are necessary to bring development to the area. Dixon said that the projects would attract businesses to the area. “If you have water and sewer … you will see development,” he said.

Boria also noted that a few years ago, the health department was approached by a person interested in purchasing the Colonial Squire hotel near the interstate. Currently the hotel water comes from a pond source. The health department told the potential investor what would be required for water and it has not heard from them since, he said.

Trevelline said he has many property units in the affected area. “My burden over 38 years will be more than $750,000,” he said. “Does that upset me? Yes, but I’m willing to pay it to bring development to the town.”

Melissa Fisher responded that the town was pursuing development at the cost of its residents. “You are forcing people out of this town because we cannot afford this,” she said. “We have three properties in this town. We have invested in Ripley. Now you tell me that I have to pay $58,000 over the next 38 years for my property.”

Jessica Textor who recently moved to the area, said that many people will not be able to afford this extra cost. “Did anyone survey the median income of the people affected by this to see if they could afford it?” she asked. “We have people on fixed incomes. It’s a significant decision for some of them. It’s either their food or their water and sewer.”

Many residents asked if more funding could be obtained from state or federal sources. Bollander responded that, since the USDA is a federal agency, any funds obtained from the state would result in the town losing federal funds. “I talked to Sen. Cathy Young’s office the other day. There isn’t a whole lot she can do for us,” he added.

Bollander also noted that the projects have not been put out to bid yet, and, therefore, the cost estimates are not exact. “This project is already at the upper limits of what it might cost,” Bollander said. If the bids do not come back as expected, we are almost back to square one. If we can’t get a bid at or under our estimates, this project is a no go.”

Allen Mellors asked it the projects had to be approved by a town referendum. Bollander responded that a public vote was not required.

“The project only needs the town board’s approval. That’s why you’ve elected them,” he said.