Milton residents oust councilors over sewage plant plan

In Milton, Florida, the recent elections have led to the defeat of an entire slate of councilors, prompted by community opposition to a proposed sewage treatment facility near the Blackwater River. This grassroots movement was spearheaded by the Concerned Citizens of Milton, with Pam Mitchell as a co-founder. The community's concern stemmed from environmental assessments indicating that the proposed location for the new facility posed a risk to local drinking water sources, specifically the health of the Blackwater River, which is vital for recreation and wildlife. The outgoing council's failed planning efforts resulted in a loss of $9 million in federal funding due to missed deadlines, further galvanizing public dissent. Although the state has mandated the city to halt effluent discharge by the end of the coming year, the new council faces the immediate challenge of finding an environmentally safe site for the replacement plant. Mitchell emphasizes the community's determination to oppose outside influences and underscores the need for proactive governance that considers environmental studies. The newly elected officials, including retired postal supervisor Larry McKee, stress the importance of transparency and collaborative decision-making, which they believe will resolve previous dysfunction in council proceedings, thus fostering healthier communication among council members. The pressure to secure funding for necessary infrastructure upgrades adds to the urgency of their work, as there is a limited time frame to access federal support intended for water and sewer improvements. As the new council prepares to take office on December 10, it must act quickly to set a new direction for Milton while addressing the complex wastewater management issues it inherits.