Sewer commissioners deadlock on new budget

Oconee sewer commissioners could not agree yesterday on a new budget to kick in July 1, after the possibility surfaced that one municipal member might get charged more to treat wastewater for which it is not responsible.  Chris Eleazer, executive director of the Joint Regional Sewer Authority, presented a spending document in the range of $5.5 million, but the commissioners with only six members present, split 3-3.  Three Seneca members voted yes; two Westminster members and one Walhalla member voted no.  Westminster’s Brian Ramey and Leigh Baker raised concern that “crossover” flow from a heavy rain between  their city and Walhalla could have their city paying a higher treatment bill.  Until the situation is better analyzed, Ramey said he’s not comfortable approving the budget.  The budget monkey wrench came to the fore in a letter received at sewer headquarters from Kevin Bronson, the Westminster administrator.