Wednesday, AUGUST 27, 2025 |
Hanna town council members continue to debate the intent of Ordinance 412, which also deals with residential water.
As reported by Bigfoot99, the governing body of Hanna is working on a new ordinance to require all homes within town limits to be connected to municipal water and sewer. According to town employees, a few Hanna residents are living in homes not connected to the town’s water and sewer system.
Speaking at the July 8th Hanna Town Council meeting, Clerk Vivian Gonzales explained that the ordinance is designed to compel residents to use and pay for municipal water and sewer.
Ordinance 412 requires all structures “intended for human habitation” to be connected to the town’s water system.
Councilwoman Ellen Freeman expressed concerns about the wording of the ordinance, stating that the regulation, as written, does not appear to allow residents to temporarily shut off water access during the winter months.
Clerk Gonzales, Treasurer Ann Calvert, and Councilman Sam Sikes emphasized that the ordinance does not target snowbirds or residents who leave for extended vacations. Instead, the regulation aims to ensure that all residents use the municipal water and sewer services while living in their homes.
Despite Councilwoman Freeman’s objections, Ordinance 412 passed on the first reading. All municipal regulation changes must be read three times during three separate public hearings before becoming law.
Ordinance 412 was brought up for a second vote during the August 12th Hanna Town Council meeting. Once again, Councilwoman Freeman objected to the phrasing of the ordinance, arguing that the word “intended” should be changed to clarify that water and sewer connections are only required when the structure is in use.
Mayor Charlie George said the ordinance is written to require utility hookups only when people are living in the structure.
Councilwoman Freeman maintained that the current wording does not convey the intent as interpreted by Mayor George.
Councilwoman Freeman said many structures in Hanna were built with the intention of human habitation but are not being used for that purpose. The Councilwoman reiterated that the word “intention” should be changed before Ordinance 412 is adopted into law.
Councilwoman Freeman emphasized that the ordinance must leave no room for interpretation, warning that future administrations might not understand or agree with the intent behind the regulation.
Councilman David Felix said Ordinance 412 may encourage residents to take better care of their properties. Councilwoman Freeman countered, saying it should be clearly stated in the ordinance itself.
Clerk Vivian Gonzales said the governing body of Hanna is demanding that all residents be connected to municipal water and sewer. Those that refuse to do so must move out of town.
The entire Hanna Town Council, including Councilwoman Freeman, voted to approve Ordinance 412 on second reading. Mayor Charlie George instructed the Councilwoman to bring her proposed wording changes to the next Council meeting.
