Commissioners at the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) regular meeting voted unanimously on May 24, 2022, to give Pasco County a two-year notice, ending an interlocal wastewater agreement along County Line Road. The notice is in compliance with the legal agreement.
In June of 2017, Hernando County entered into a 15-year interlocal agreement with Pasco County to provide bulk wastewater treatment service for an area south of County Line Road.
“How about telling them to fix the road first, then we’ll give them water,” Chairman Steve Champion said, mentioning Pasco’s role in the ongoing issue of improving County Line Road.
Currently, Hernando provides no services to Pasco County. However, Hernando County Utilities Director Gordon Onderdonk reported receiving the first application as of last week. According to the interlocal agreement, Hernando County is the service provider, and Pasco County is the customer. Pasco is to pay Hernando $4.86 per 1000 gallons of water treated. The sewage would be measured by a common meter.
“From an economic development standpoint,” County Administrator Jeff Rogers said, the agreement allows for development in Pasco to move forward. However, Hernando has taken the lead in widening County Line Road. “[Pasco] has prioritized Ridge Road, [State Roads] 52, 54, they built a new road through the swamp,” he stated. Rogers advised that it’s the BOCC’s decision whether or not to uphold the interlocal agreement or give Pasco the 2-year notice.
“Let’s send it today,” said Commissioner John Allocco, with agreement from County Attorney Jon Jouben. “Our wastewater facilities are for our wastewater,” Allocco said. “They’re not for the next county. It’s dangerous and sets a precedent. As soon as the first one is there, there will be five more… and it’s not good for us long-term.”
“Tell them they can keep their crap over on that side, literally,” Chairman Steve Champion concluded.
