The city of Warrenton has threaten to cut off water and sewer service to the Warren County Courthouse if the county does not make its preferred sewer pretreatment improvements by Oct. 12. The city wants the county to install a specific type of pretreatment solution but so far the county commission has balked at what its deems a more expensive option when a cheaper alternative is available that would block clothing from entering the sewer system. This is the latest development in an ongoing dispute between the two entities following the discovery of a jail jumpsuit and other garbage that apparently had been stuffed down toilets by inmates at the county jail. The items blocked the city's sewer main in February. The city is requesting the improvements since every manhole overflow must be reported as a violation to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and worries that similar incidents could cause damage to the sewer system. Under city code, it's unlawful for any type of garbage to be discharged into the city's sewer system. In a letter dated Aug. 12, the city expressed disappointment that the county continues to oppose its pretreatment requirements. City officials said the county's maintenance and operation of the jail poses a "serious and substantial risk to the city's sewer system," which then creates a health risk to city residents. Also, work to remove a blockage "creates a significant burden on the taxpayers of the city." City attorney Chris Graville reiterated the only acceptable pretreatment option is a bar screen and commutator, which is best described as a large grinder. He further wrote if the required pretreatment option is not installed by Oct. 12, then the city will no longer provide water and sewer to the courthouse. On Monday, the county responded with a letter of its own asking the city to provide more information on its authority to impose the requirements and on any appeal procedures within seven days. In the meantime, commissioners are moving forward with proceeding with the cheaper alternative they prefer. On Tuesday morning, they voted unanimously to begin the bidding process to have a screen system installed, though it will be designed so that a grinder can be installed at a later date. Upon learning of the county's decision Tuesday night, Graville expressed frustration about the move. He said the county's vote to proceed with gathering bids contradicts the previous day's request to have the city supply more information within a seven-day period. He added that the county's latest letter incorrectly stated that the city was now requiring both a bar screen and grinder to be installed. He said that the city has required both to be part of the pretreatment improvements since the request was first made in April. While the city feels it has the authority to impose the sewer pretreatment requirements, commissioners disagree. They said the city's code book does not include any regulations requiring a grinder to be installed. That screening system proposed by the commission will catch solids in the manhole as it leaves the county's sewer line and prior to entering the city's system. The clothing and other large items would be removed by the county's maintenance staff. An additional 2-inch by 2-inch galvanized grate will cover the outlet pipe prior to connecting with the existing city manhole. Engineers recommended a daily inspection of the system to insure the basket is free of debris and odors. According to an engineering report, the initial cost for the screen system is $24,100, with the annual operating and maintenance expense estimated to be $900. Over a 20-year period, engineers estimated the expense to be $35,300. A second pretreatment alternative reviewed by the engineer included installing a commutator and building an additional bypass manhole with galvanized grating for times when the shredder is undergoing maintenance. This option would cost an estimated $55,800 upfront, with annual operating and maintenance expenses of $3,900. Over a 20-year period, the projected cost is $104,400. For both options, engineers proposed installing a visible and audible alarm in the structure warning of a potential system backup or overflow problem. Commissioners feel the cheapest engineering proposal is sufficient in preventing any further sewer blockages, but that steps were made for further improvements if needed. "If the collection is not sufficient, then we can add a grinder," Southern District Commissioner Hubie Kluesner said. "I think it will work and solve the problem the city has with us." Graville stated installing a grinder will provide assurance that no solids will enter the city's sewer system from the jail since a maintenance person is not on site 24 hours a day. For instance, Graville said, a grinder will shred any solids, whether it was at 2 a.m., on the weekend or any other time when the courthouse is closed to the public. An automatic system, he noted, is needed since the jail operates around the clock and tends to be overpopulated. The county and the city are no stranger to challenging the authority of either side. Both entities are still awaiting a ruling on a lawsuit filed by the county in October against the city over building permit fees related to construction of the new administration building. At issue in that dispute is whether or not the county is required to pay permit fees to another governmental entity, in this case the city. Nonetheless, Northern District Commissioner Dan Hampson said the county's position is not about creating more animosity with the city. "We want to work with the city," Hampson said. "That is our intention. We are doing something to rectify this, hopefully." Graville said the city has been reasonable and has made efforts to work with the county on the matter, including extending the deadline for when the engineering report was supposed to be received. However, even that was not met, he added. "The city has been clear to what (the county is) required to do," Graville said. "We've maintained our position, been consistent with our stance." -recnews@centurytel.net