The candidates for Athens County Commissioner discussed sewer updates and other issues at a voter forum
By: Arielle Teppert
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ATHENS, Ohio (WOUB) – The two candidates for Athens County Commissioner want to address the county’s septic system problem but have different visions on how to fix it.
The county is having issues with septic tanks breaking and contaminating the soil, so commissioners want to expand the sewer system to the entire county.
Candidate Jon Rose, who is running for Athens County Commissioner as an independent, said that septic tanks work and last a long time if residents stay on top of inspections.
“If we can utilize the grant money to inspect septic systems, make sure that they’re working properly, replace them, as opposed to spending tens of millions of dollars on sewer systems that communities don’t necessarily want,” Rose said at a candidate forum Tuesday hosted by the Athens County League of Women Voters.
Incumbent Commissioner Charlie Adkins, a Democrat, then held up a photograph of waste running into the storm drains in Millfield.
“You cannot put septic tanks in (Millfield). When you got a lot the size of this house … there’s no leech bed, and that’s the reason the sewer is going in the drain,” Adkins said.
Adkins explained commissioners want to move forward with the sewer expansion project. He said although it will cost more money upfront, it will be worth it in the end. Adkins said grant money and loans are available, and homeowners will not be expected to cover the entire cost.
“Today we just approved four projects through the health department to help these people with their septic system,” Adkins said.
The candidates also have different approaches to deal with the mental health crisis in Athens County.
Both Adkins and Rose acknowledge mental health is a significant issue in Athens County. Rose said the Athens mental health crisis team was beneficial to the county before it ended this year.
“So, the commissioners said we don’t need that money, we don’t think that this is necessary, we’re gonna end the program early. I just can’t believe that actually happened,” Rose said.
Adkins said commissioners need to explore different options. The mental health crisis team was paid through the 317 Board. Earlier this year, commissioners and the 317 Board decided to end the program because it wasn’t reducing calls to Athens County Emergency Medical Services, according to Adkins.
“The program was killed mutually because it wasn’t doing what we agreed it would do,” he said.
The candidates also plan on improving housing in the county for families in need.
Much housing in Athens County is considered sub-standard because landlords face few regulations and little competition. Some landlords rent out properties with obvious health and safety problems.
Adkins said commissioners are doing their best to make housing affordable, while Rose said people are living above their means.
“We got a 191-unit facility for low income, moderate income, folks out on 682 within the city of Athens. So, you know, I will continue working with the groups that come in to make sure the housing is actually affordable,” Adkins said.
Rose said he believes stimulating the economy will boost housing.
“We need to introduce higher-paying jobs, more lucrative ways of working here in the county, while also being able to live and work and afford to be able to enjoy this beautiful place that we call home,” Rose said.
This was the first forum the Athens County League of Women Voters has scheduled this election cycle.
A forum for county treasurer candidates is set for Oct. 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the Athens Community Center.