Up the creek: Greeley’s Johnson Subdivision residents on the hook for more than $23K when their septic systems fail

By Kelly Ragan

Folks living in the Johnson Subdivision could soon be on the hook for more than $23,000 — yes, per household —  when their septic systems kick the can. 

During a city council meeting Tuesday, councilmember Kristen Zasada noted the figure was “an eye-popping” amount. 

But you could say they would have really been up the creek (yes, THAT creek, but we won’t say it). without the Water & Sewer Department’s intervention. 

How did we get here? 

The Johnson Subdivision, located north of 4th Street and west of 35th Avenue, was developed in 1963 and 1969, according to city documents. But it wasn’t always part of the city of Greeley. 

It was annexed into Greeley in 2005. 

So, the subdivision wasn’t built following Greeley’s municipal code, and it doesn’t use the city’s sewer system. Instead, most of the properties in the subdivision use septic systems. Specifically, 36 of the 43 lots use septic systems, four use the city sewer system, and three properties remain undeveloped. 

“About 33 of them are over 40 years old,” said Adam Prior, chief engineer for the city. “Typically a septic system only lasts for 15-40 years.” 

When those systems fail – and according to the city, it is a matter of when, not if – the Greeley Municipal Code (and state law) requires properties within 400 feet of the municipal sewer system to connect to it. The code also requires the residents to pay for that connection. 

While they are required, the city acknowledged making those connections is “very costly.” 

To make the process more proactive and cost-effective, the Water & Sewer Department proposed creating a Local Improvement District to help with the construction of a new sewer collections system at the city council meeting Tuesday. 

That means the Water & Sewer Department would front the cost for the construction of the whole system, and folks living within the district would pay for their share of the materials when the time does come for them to connect. 

So, residents will owe the city about $18,911 to connect to the system and owe another $5,000-$15,000 to install sewer service. 

Folks will be able to make either a one-time payment or set up a 60-month payment plan, which would require a lien on the property. 

Prior said that cost savings can be passed on to residents if the Water & Sewer Department take on the project. That way, the estimated total cost would be $480,000. If a private contractor did it instead, Prior said it could cost about $720,000.

Laira Ziegler expressed concern about the project during public comment Tuesday via email. Ziegler was listed as one of the property owners within the Local Improvement District. 

She voiced concern about traffic disruptions as homeowners connected to the new sewer line, impact to property values if people wanted to sell their homes before connecting, and the cost during a year that’s been hard on many. 

“It goes unsaid this has been a tough year for many people,” Ziegler wrote. “The lien with loan payments over 5 years is equal to a car payment, college tuition payments and medications for some.” 

Ziegler went on to list several suggestions on ways to defer payments.

However, city manager Roy Otto said Tuesday that the Water & Sewer Department has hosted community forums and done outreach. 

“Residents do understand the benefit,” Otto said. 

City council voted to approve the Water & Sewer Department’s proposal 5-2, with councilmembers Zasada and Ed Clark voting no. 

“Because of this financial burden on the residents, and it’s a big one, my vote is a nay on this one,” Zasada said.