After disagreements with Hayden Lake, Hayden and county seek to dissolve sewer board

The city of Hayden and Kootenai County have issued a request to dissolve the joint powers agreement with partners of the Hayden Area Regional Sewer Board, triggering a negotiation over the next 180 days. 

Hayden City Administer Lisa Ailport said that city officials are working with a rate designer to ensure “fair and equitable” outcomes for all involved. 

Ailport said conversations about growth have often factored into conflicts between Hayden and Hayden Lake representatives.  

“There’s disagreements among the board members about how the facility should be managed, and that has resulted in additional significant costs and delays and compliance with federal and state regulations,” Ailport said.    

HARSB oversees sewer service in the city, the Hayden Lake Sewer District and Kootenai County's airport.     

In a statement about the decision, Hayden officials noted that “it had become apparent over the past two years that the entities, which have tried to work toward terms of mutual dissolution, have failed to result in meaningful negotiation that keep all rate payers' highest interests at mind.” 

City officials stated their intention to take the lead in dissolving the joint powers and to initiate full control over the wastewater treatment system.  

“Regulations will continue to get more challenging and more strict, and we need to position ourselves to be fluid in this time and brace ourselves against unnecessary and costly modifications,” Ailport said. 

When asked about the request for dissolution, Hayden Lake Sewer District officials stated they have no information available at this time.    

    Ken Windram of the Hayden Area Regional Sewer Board watches as crews install a storage tank.