Nothing was decided officially yesterday(Mon), but the Des Moines County Board seems to like the idea of forming a new, smaller RUSS — that’s Rural Utility Service Systems — so the co-op that designs, builds and manages sewer systems in small, often unincorporated, towns can continue to help communities without interference from four counties within its current, 10-county organization.
RUSS of southeast Iowa Executive Director Bruce Hudson says the courts have told the dissatisfied counties that they can’t leave the group as long as money is owed and their departure would create a detriment to the organization…but each project must receive unanimous approval from all 10 counties. Hudson says that’s no longer possible, so he wants to form a “little” RUSS.
One project has already received a go-ahead…that’s in the town of Ollie in southern Keokuk County…..but the Mooar-Powdertown area of southern Lee County also wants a new sewer system and can’t get it, because of the four counties that refuse to move forward.
