EXPLORER NEWS: Weds., June 11, 2008

Marana, Pima County await judge's wastewater decision

Arguments hinge on interpretation of wording

By Nick Smith

Marana and Pima County should know by Aug. 4 a judge's decision on the ownership of a contested wastewater system and treatment plant. Maricopa Superior Court Judge Kristin Hoffman has 60 days to reach a decision on whether the county or Marana owns the 181.66 miles worth of sewer pipes and the Marana Wastewater Treatment Facility.
On June 5, attorneys from both sides presented opening arguments on who owns the facilities. Ownership of the entire sewer system is important to Marana because the processed effluent can be used to water golf courses and parks, or recharged as groundwater for future use.
TIMELINE
July 11, 2007 – Marana dissolves an agreement with Pima County regarding the ownership of the Marana Wastewater Treatment Plant.
July 24 – The Pima County Board of Supervisors creates the Anza Park, which includes the treatment plant.
Oct. 17 – Marana files suit against Pima County alleging that dissolving an agreement with the c ounty means the sewer plan belongs to the town.
Dec. 4 – The Marana Town Council votes to annex 526 acres, which includes the Marana Wastewater Treatment Plant in the Anza Park.
Dec. 5 – Marana's lawsuit gets moved from the Pima County Superior Court to Maricopa County.
Dec. 20 – Pima County files suit against Marana, claiming the town must ask permission to annex the area the sewer plant sits on because the county designated the area as a park.
March 24, 2008 – The county's lawsuit gets moved from the Pima County Superior Court to Maricopa County.
June 5 – Maricopa judge hears opening arguments for summary judgment.

FULL STORY: http://www.explorernews.com/articles/2008/06/11/news/doc484ee9bb2ee53115614967.txt