A conflict is brewing over who will pay the costs for the collapsed septage treatment plant in Grand Traverse County. Five local townships, including Elmwood, are liable for the costs of the plant, which have ballooned as use revenues have fallen short.

As this Record-Eagle story describes, the townships' proposal to cover an annual $600,000 in revenues by imposing a surcharge on new septic tanks is being opposed by Grand Traverse County officials.

The business model for the plant was devised by county attorney Michael Houlihan and local engineering firm Gordie-Fraser, according to Acme township supervisor Bill Kurtz. The Gordie-Fraser firm was also involved in the design of the plant, which collapsed last June.