Officials of the Hamilton County Water and Wastewater Treatment Authority (WWTA) said a Lookout Mountain couple is wanting an unreasonable price for allowing access to a sewer pump station that is next to their residence at Fort Stephenson Oval.
Attorney Chris Clem said Dr. Stephen and Barbara Golder have never met with the WWTA, but instead have sent attorney Dick Crotteau and a realtor to meetings.
He said if the pump station goes out and the WWTA is unable to reach it down a steep slope "a lot of homes on the mountain will be in trouble."
Attorney Clem said the Golders initially wanted $30,000 "for just an easement" allowing better access.
He said a later offer was $17,000 for a smaller access area.
Cherie Jewell, WWTA chair, said the agency was being treated "as if we are flush with cash." She said the demands were far above the value of the access and would set a bad precedent if agreed to.
Attorney Clem said the agency has not yet considered filing a condemnation lawsuit. He said the next step would be to get an appraisal.
An engineer said a lower pump station was put in on the property some 40 years ago, then an additional one was added later nearer the top.
He said it is extremely steep to reach the lower pump station and is dangerous to try to negotiate a piece of equipment down it on the property included in the current easement.
One possibility is to try to install a zigzag cement trail to the lower pump station, it was stated.