PUD to take over Clarkston sewer

The city of Clarkston is moving forward with a plan to transfer operations of its wastewater treatment plant to the Asotin County Public Utility District.

At Monday’s council meeting, PUD officials and the public works director said the change will benefit both the city and ratepayers.

“The city of Clarkston sees the transfer as an advantage to residents of Clarkston and Asotin County,” Public Works Director Kevin Poole said.

Details of the proposal will be worked out in the coming months. The five city employees who work at the treatment plant have been contacted and are on board with making the switch, officials said. They will all maintain their jobs as PUD employees.

No rate changes are on the horizon, PUD Commissioner Don Nuxoll said. The transfer will save the city money, and the PUD has the manpower and equipment to properly maintain the collection system.

“Thank you for all of your hard work on this. This is what you’re good at,” Councilor Joel Profitt told the PUD officials.

In other city business, the council approved a zone change at 919 Highland Ave. with a 6-1 vote. Councilor Melyssa Andrews cast the lone no vote on rezoning the land from low-density residential to medical commercial.

Chuck and Jodi Dwyer can now move forward with plans to build a new $1.2 million wellness center at the site near Tri-State Memorial Hospital. The proposal was recommended for approval by the Clarkston Planning Commission.

Chuck Dwyer said his clinic has nine employees and has outgrown its current location on Bridge Street.

“I think it will be a nice addition to the area” the chiropractor said. “We want to stay in Clarkston.”

Sandaine may be contacted at kerris@lmtribune.com or (208) 848-2264. Follow her on Twitter @newsfromkerri.