County grants easement to Columbus for new sewer line 

 

COLUMBUS—The Town of Columbus is trying to run a new sewer line to get it out from under buildings downtown.  

Quite notably, according to Columbus Town Manager Tim Barth, there is a manhole located inside the Steps to HOPE Thrift Store downtown.  

Commissioners approved an easement on county property 

Barth met with the Polk County Board of Commissioners last week and explained the situation.  

“We are trying to keep (the sewer line) from running into town and under the Steps to HOPE shop there,” Barth told commissioners.  

Commissioner Chair Tommy Melton clarified that Barth was speaking of what he refers to as the “Belk’s of Columbus.”  

Melton asked if the sewer line runs under all the buildings.  

Barth said no, the line currently runs under that building then down an alley.  

“The only customer that would be on that line would be Steps to HOPE,” Barth said. “Believe it or not, there is a manhole in the middle of the store.”  

County manager Marche Pittman said he has talked with Barth and any damage that may be caused to the county’s fencing the town would make whole again.  

“If you look at the property it’s kind of on a bank,” Barth said.  

Barth said no one’s property will be affected by moving the sewer line.  

Commissioner Ray Gasperson asked if it will cost anything to the county.  

Barth said no, the town will pay for all the construction, which should only take a couple of days to complete.  

Barth also said the construction is highly complicated as the town will have to fix one place outside an alley first to get a camera through because there is a slight blockage there.  

He said Columbus Town Council voted a year and a half ago to move forward with this project.  

Commissioners agreed unanimously to grant an easement for the town to proceed.