MAUMEE, Ohio — Many people in Maumee are not happy, to say the least.
Approximately 800 gathered in and outside of the Elks Lodge #1850 Monday evening for a private resident meeting to voice concerns about a recently passed ordinance requiring sewer line connections on for-sale properties within the city to be inspected and fixed if necessary.
"This is ridiculous what they are asking the residents to do," said Maumee resident David Ross, who was at the meeting.
The ordinance, which was unanimously passed in an emergency vote by city council on June 17, requires the property owner to pay for repairs if their sewer lines fail inspections.
"They (city of Maumee) should be fixing it," said Ross. "They should not be putting it on the taxpayers to fix their mismanagement for the last four decades."
According to Nancy Gagnet, the public information officer for the city of Maumee, there have been 30 inspections as of July 15, with only five passing.
More inspections are coming, including for the home of Theresa Grzecki, who was planning to move to Michigan in the coming days.
But because of the ordinance, that move is on hold.
"We listed the house, we have a home that we purchased in Michigan, our offer was accepted. I'm supposed to be getting that home inspected, but that's on hold pending what happens with my inspection here in Maumee tomorrow," she said.
Not only Grzecki is anticipating the result, but the potential price if it doesn't pass. It's something she says the city should be finding other ways to pay for.
"I know tax is a dirty word, but it seems like a viable solution where everyone pays a little, instead of a few paying most," said Grzecki.
For now, the ordinance remains on the books. But those in the real estate world are hoping for a better solution for everyone.
"Nobody has the answers on what's going to happen, or what the solution to this is if there is any," said Garrett Luhring, a realtor with Danberry Realtors. "But I think right now we need to bring everyone's minds together and everybody contribute a little bit to help paint the best picture possible and have a win-win situation."
The city told WTOL 11 that they will be hosting a community meeting on Tuesday at 7 p.m. inside of the city council chambers.
According to officials, Mayor Jim MacDonald will be in attendance to share the facts of the ordinance and no council action will be taken.