A task force has recommended mandatory hookups to public water and sewer systems for homes within the Lexington Park Development District. A Sewer and Water Connection Task Force recommends that the county require the hook up for all homes within 200 feet of public water and sewer. The task force says the county can establish “an amortization period” to help property owners on wells and/or septic systems to pay for the required connection and service fees.

The recommendations from the task force were presented by St. Mary’s County Land Use and Growth Management Director Phillip Shire Tuesday at a joint meeting of the county commissioners and the Metropolitan Commission (MetCom).

The proposal is expected to be controversial because several commissioners have expressed concern about forcing landowners of functioning wells and septic systems to require the costly hook up to a central system. The issue is expected to be especially strident in the Charlotte Hall area, where Commissioner Lawrence Jarboe (R: 3rd) and a number of property owners have raised concerns.

Though the policy recommendation applies only at this time to the county’s major development district, other areas could be expected to argue they may be next. Those fears could be stoked by Shire’s presentation. He said, “The recommendations from the connection task force can also be applied to the town and village centers though there may need to be modifications for each individual situation.”

And of course there likely will be a protest from landowners on wells and septics in the Lexington Park area.

The task force recommendation says:

1.     “The Lexington Park Development District is the Service Area. MetCom, with input from the departments of Land Use and Growth Management and Economic and Community Development will develop a schedule for extending the sewer and water network throughout the service area. MetCom will be able to size the lines based on the density and intensity of the properties that will be connected to the lines.

2.     “All buildings (non-residential and residenti