Wednesday, AUGUST 6, 2025|
Photo – Medicine Bow Town Council – by Matt Copeland Bigfoot99
A Medicine Bow resident’s plan to relocate their sewer line prompts the governing body to reconsider the town’s high tap fees.
During the July 14th Medicine Bow Town Council meeting, Public Works Director Brian Lashely announced that a resident has been having reoccurring sewer issues. Lashley said the community member is seeking permission to install a new sewer line in a town-owned alley. The Public Works Director said he was uncertain about the legality of the proposal and asked the governing body for guidance.
Public Works Director Lashley explained that the resident is asking to abandon their existing sewer line and install a new pipe within the town-owned service corridor. Lashley said he doesn’t approve of the plan to add private underground infrastructure into the alley.
Lashely said the resident reported that the existing sewer line is made up of Orangeburg pipe, which is constructed from layers of wood pulp and coal tar pitch, typically used between 1945 and the early 1970s. The fiber pipes are collapsed in areas, resulting in repeated sewer backups for the resident.
Mayor Justin George expressed concern over a privately owned sewer line running near town infrastructure. While the current owner may know the sewer line’s exact location, Mayor George said future property owners might not, which could force contractors to search for the pipe and risk damage to municipal equipment.
Alternatively, the property owner could pay $4,300 to have the town install a new sewer hookup to their home. Mayor George questioned the high cost of the service. Public Works Director Lashley explained that the tap fee is meant to serve as a financial commitment to the town and its sewer infrastructure.
Meanwhile, a water tap costs approximately $1,400 in total. The Medicine Bow Town Council agreed that the sewer tap fees are too high. Mayor George offered to review the hookup fees in the future, stating that the high cost to connect to the town’s water and sewer system may discourage people from moving to the town.
Following the discussion, the Medicine Bow Town Council unanimously voted to deny the resident’s application to relocate their sewer line into the town-owned alley. Mayor Justin George instructed the resident to bring an alternative proposal to the town’s Planning and Zoning Commission for consideration.
