Delaware County signs interlocal pump-and-haul agreement with Muncie Sanitary District for justice center wet well

Delaware County commissioners approved an interlocal agreement Nov. 3 with the Muncie Sanitary District to provide on-call pump-and-haul services for the justice center wet well.

Don Chambers, building superintendent, and county staff told commissioners the wet well has experienced recurring problems caused by items flushed at the jail that float in the wet well and must be removed. The county has contracted ad hoc removal services roughly once per quarter at a cost of approximately $2,500 per event.

Under the proposed interlocal agreement, Muncie Sanitary District — which already receives the material for disposal — will provide the same service on call for $1,000 per incident. County staff described the arrangement as a near-term cost-saver while longer-term repairs or a capital fix would likely exceed $200,000.

Commissioners approved the interlocal agreement by roll call; a commissioner noted the change could save the county about $6,000 annually if current call frequency continues. Officials said the arrangement is a maintenance strategy to extend the service life of existing equipment while monitoring for a future capital solution.

The board placed the agreement on the consent agenda and approved it without amendment.