Taney County eyeing new department

FORSYTH Taney County Commissioners this week discussed the possibility of creating an environmental services department to help residents gets septic tanks cleaned.

Its my wish that the Taney County citizens whove paid this tax, who havent gotten anything for the tax, Id like to see environmental services put something together to benefit everyone, said Commissioner Danny Strahan.

I think its something that would benefit all instead of just the few that would be hooked up to sewer projects, Strahan said.

The tax Strahan referred to is the countys half-cent sewer tax that allows the county to build and maintain sewer systems intended to help clean the countys lakes and drinking water.

Currently, the county provides $75 discounts to pump septic tanks. An expansion of that service is one of the items the department would promote.

Last week, David Casaletto, executive director of Ozarks Water Watch, asked commissioners to consider an ordinance requiring septic tank inspection for homes being sold. Casaletto also commended the commissioners for how much Taney County has already done to clean the countys waterways and wells. The commission did not discuss his request during this meeting.

Strahan said if the department is formed, he would expect they would provide many more services to county residents.

However, the commissioners asked for guidance from Mike Cole and Scott Starrett, from the county planning department, to come up with some details.

Well be looking at an environmental services department, said Presiding Commissioner Ron Houseman. And if its created, what will make it up? What will be added to the website? Theyd communicate with the media.

Strahan said commissioners have talked about forming such a department for a long time and hed like to finally get it moving forward.

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Taney County eyeing new department