The Peoria Area Association of REALTORS® (PAAR) issued a statement Friday expressing concern that the Peoria County Board is moving too quickly on an overhaul of of Chapter 19 Onsite Wastewater Disposal Systems, the county ordinance that regulates wastewater treatment systems on properties not served by public sewer.
PAAR’s statement regarding Chapter 19:
While PAAR is fully in favor of protecting public health and safeguarding the Illinois River, its tributaries and streams by updating the rules covering onsite septic systems, PAAR respectfully requests that the Peoria County Board defer adoption of the proposed Chapter 19 ordinance into law.
PAAR believes that both the Health Department and Peoria County will be well served by not passing into law an ordinance that — in its current state — will have far-reaching and unintended consequences.
The PAAR appeals to the County Board to reach out and include all organizations that can provide valuable information; ensuring the inclusive representation this important topic deserves.
The PAAR’s concerns about the proposed Onsite Wastewater Disposal ordinance include:
- Competitive disadvantage for Economic Development in Peoria County.
- Adverse effect on property values; residential and commercial.
- Impact on county budget; and tax payers.
- Impact on customer service; implementation of requirements
- Excessive number of vague requirements-TBD by staff after ordinance passed.
“We just want to be part of the process; we agree the end product must be beneficial for healthy economic development, the environment and the health of our residents. To reach that goal a more inclusive group needs to help draft the language; which is why we urge the County Board to postpone approval and send back to the department,” said REALTOR® Jeff Kolbus, president of Traders Realty and a member of PAAR in a news release.
