The City of Windsor may have found some middle ground with Baseline Road residents on some new sewers.
Sanitary sewers and private drain connections are to be built on the road from 7th Concession to 8th Concession Road at a cost of $2.7-million.
According to a report, $780,000 of that cost will fall on residents to connect to the sewers and eliminate outdated septic tanks that are harmful to the environment.
That's after the Environment, Transportation & Public Safety Standing Committee voted to lower the cost from $450 per metre of frontage to $244 Wednesday night.
Ward 4 Councillor Kieran McKenzie says 24-residents brought forward concerns over the unexpected bill.
"They are the benefiting entities, the residents themselves, in terms of the infrastructure going in, but this is still a significant cost that's being hoisted upon them that for many folks came out of the blue," he says.
The committee also approved an amendment to extend a three year grace period to up to 10-years for newer septic systems in the neighbourhood.
Ward 2 Councillor Fabio Costante believes it's a fair compromise as it only affects four homes.
"I do see Councillor McKenzie's point so far as fairness," says Costante. "If you just purchased the septic tank in the last year or two and now the city is forcing you to get off of it, there should be a bit more buffer room."
Options for a low interest loan will also be provided under the plan to lower the upfront cost to residents.
The item will now head to an upcoming city council meeting for final approval.