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Local News

Barry County residents to give opinions on TOST at Aug. 22 meeting

The Barry County Board of Commissioner’s Aug. 22 meeting time and location have been changed to 7 p.m. at Star Elementary School, 1900 Star School Road, Hastings.  Officials moved the meeting in anticipation of a larger than usual audience, since it’s also a ‘listening to the public’ session on the controversial Barry Eaton District Health Department regulation, time of sale or transfer, or TOST.

 

The meeting is part of a 10-year review of the regulation that has been roundly criticized by Barry County residents since its inception. A public survey, available on the county website and ongoing until Sept. 30, is part of the review approved by the Barry County Commission in July at a cost of $6,500.

 

Meanwhile, on Aug. 16, Eaton County Commissioners discussed a resolution “strongly” recommending the commission “cease participation” in TOST to save staff and administrative costs.

The commissioners delayed a decision until Sept. 20 to allow time for “minor technical changes” in the proposal, according to sponsors of the resolution, the Health and Human Services Committee. Chair of the committee,  Commissioner Barbara Rogers said Aug. 17 that she is confident they have the votes to approve the resolution next month.

 

Barry County Commissioner Ben Geiger, commission chairman, said this Thursday: “Protecting public health, the environment, and the rights of homeowners is very important to the community, and requires leaders listen to all voices. Barry County's initiative is all about listening to our residents, and we will continue and complete this listening process regardless of what's going on in other counties.”

 

Background:

TOST mandates inspection of Barry and Eaton county on-site water and septic systems before the sale or transfer of property. If deemed failed by evaluators, repairs or replacement are ordered and must be completed before the sale or transfer occurs.

Critics say the administration of the regulation is arbitrary and capricious, public relations with the health department are strained and costs associated with TOST are a costly and unnecessary burden on residents.

 

Geiger’s stated goal of the review is to listen to Barry County residents and make recommendations to the BEDHD’s six-member Board of  Health, three Barry County and three Eaton County commissioners, on ways to improve the unpopular regulation.

 

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