McKenzie District Asked to Take on Wastewater Project

FINN ROCK: The McKenzie School District Board discussed a proposal at a special Friday night meeting that could position the district as a temporary owner of the Three Sisters Meadow property and a new wastewater treatment system.

The $3.5 million project, funded by a Lane County grant, comes with tight deadlines. It must be completed by September 2026 – with all invoices paid by December of that year.

One benefit could come from connecting the district’s aging septic systems to a new shared wastewater facility on property currently overseen by the McKenzie River Trust. As part of their role, the Trust says it never planned to develop the 16-acre parcel, prompting discussion of an interim ownership arrangement through the school district.

Superintendent Lane Tompkins presented the plan, emphasizing that the district’s role would be temporary and the night’s vote would only authorize him to present the proposal to the Three Sisters Meadow partners group – a consortium of community representatives that has been brainstorming ideas for future use of the property.

“This would not commit the district to taking ownership,” Lane clarified. “It would simply allow us to present the idea for community discussion.”

Board members voiced strong concerns about the potential financial implications. Tompkins estimated annual operating costs for the wastewater system at about $19,000 – roughly $1,600 per month – compared to the district’s current $2,000 annual cost for DEQ reporting on the schools existing half dozen septic fields.

Jim Parks, superintendent of the Blue River Water District, noted his board had previously declined involvement because of the project’s financial risks, including the potential need for a $100,000-per-year superintendent and ongoing system maintenance expenses.

Board members Jason Wickizer, Dana Burwell, and Elaine Bryson questioned the long-term costs, insurance implications, and property maintenance responsibilities. They stressed the need for public input and additional data before committing any district funds.

Discussions also focused on community priorities for the Three Sisters Meadow property. The Three Sisters committee has identified sanitation systems as a top community need, followed by light industrial uses, housing, and open space.

At a Glance: Three Sisters Meadow Proposal

Project: Wastewater treatment system connecting to McKenzie School District facilities

Funding: $3.5 million Lane County grant (expires September 2026)

Property Owner (Current): McKenzie River Trust

Proposed Role for the School: Temporary property and system owner to move project forward

Estimated District Costs: About $19,000 per year to operate system

Remaining Grant Funds: $40,000–$50,000 available for maintenance (no reporting required)

Next Steps: Superintendent Tompkins to present proposal to Three Sisters Meadow partners group

Committee to meet on Wednesday to review

Community meeting to be scheduled if proposal advances

Burwell, who also serves on the Meadow board, raised concerns about meeting the Jones family’s original intent that the property benefit the community. Other participants noted that potential uses remain flexible and that no development decisions have been made.

Brandi Ferguson, who was familiar with details of a grant the McKenzie River Trust received, said from $40,000 to $50,000 would transfer with the property to help cover maintenance costs. Those funds, she added, carry no reporting requirements.

Another Three Sisters committee member Cliff Richardson, warned that project planning and permits would need to be completed by May 2026 to meet construction deadlines. “It’s a tight timeline,” he said, “but there’s still room for the community to weigh in.”

After nearly an hour of discussion, the board voted unanimously to authorize Tompkins to present the proposal to the Three Sisters Meadow partners group – with no financial commitment at this stage.

Several follow-up actions were assigned, including gathering more detailed cost estimates, insurance information, and maintenance projections. The Three Sisters committee plans to meet next week to review the proposal, and a community meeting will be scheduled if the project moves forward.

“This is about keeping the door open for discussion,” said Tompkins. “Any final decision will come only after a thorough review and community input.”