Commissioner Schilling Sewer Statement

MARIETTA, OH — This is a statement from Washington County Commissioner Charlie Schilling about settling the sewer litigation with the City of Marietta.

Live in Marietta? Click here to subscribe to our free breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox and mobile devices. Follow Marietta Patch on Facebook and Twitter, and download our free Patch mobile app on Android or iPhone.

This Board of Commissioners recently met with, and negotiated in good faith with representatives from the City of Marietta. Mayor Schlicher and Safety Service Director Wetz passionately negotiated for the city. I also want to add that it showed positive leadership by City Council Member Mike Scales to attend a few of the sessions as well. I thought Mike's hard work, in conjunction with the Mayor and Safety Service Director, helped us reach a fair and equitable settlement of the ongoing litigation.

We reached a good deal for both sides. It is a good deal that makes smart business sense! The county has agreed to pay more than it was legally obligated to pay and provide the city with a steady stream of income for twenty years without harming county sewer customers. This deal not only resolves ongoing litigation, but lays the groundwork for productive cooperation in the future on issues like public works, economic development, law enforcement, and emergency services.

I am hopeful that this agreement signals a new age of a positive, respectful and productive relationship between the City of Marietta and Washington County!

I have spent the last eight months carefully reviewing this litigation and its impact on our community and it's not good. We need to resolve this issue and I feel we have reached a good deal - that is fair and beneficial to both sides.

I understand the apprehension of the city council. After fighting for years, the county is changing its tune and wants to work together. I understand it's difficult for the city council to accept and process this change of course so quickly, but now that the county is complying with EPA orders, everything has changed. The County Board of Commissioners is sincere in its desire to work with the City of Marietta. This Board of Commissioners is committed to being a good partner.

I would ask the city council to carefully study the settlement agreement its approved negotiators agreed to. I stand by ready to answer any questions from city council, publicly or privately. Moreover, I invite any city council member who has questions or public concerns to come to public meetings or call me directly. Let's work this out, one elected official to another. We owe it to our citizens to work together. If after the meeting with me you aren't convinced this is a good business deal for both sides I will respect your position. But take the time to talk to me first.

Everybody in the county suffers if we cannot resolve this litigation. The county is serious about settling this! I hope the City of Marietta is as well.

Respectfully yours,

Commissioner Charlie Schilling.

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Marietta Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of our latest sponsors? Email any and all inquiries to me at christopher.schmitt@patch.com