Voters OK plan to pay for sewer

SILVER SPRINGS - Voters overwhelmingly approved a plan to issue general obligation bonds to help pay for their new sewer system.

Turnout was low, but decisive with 249 of 907 registered voters casting ballots. Of those, 215 voters voted yes and only 30 voted against the plan. Four ballots were rejected for irregularities.

The election was held to determine how part of the $11.8 million sewer plant and lines would be paid for.

Under the plan, $3 million will be raised, and the Silver Springs General Improvement District would receive a $97,000 grant. Lyon County commissioners serve as the district's board of directors.

Had the no vote won, the district would have had to issue a revenue bond at a rate of 7.2 percent for up to 40 years and lose the grant.

The special election was called when residents filed a petition requesting the district put the issuance of general obligation bonds to a vote.

The sewer system is expected to be finished by early 2001. Residents will have 18 months after that to connect. About 1,000 residents are expected to hook up to the sewer system initially.