Burley Officials To Ask For Judicial Review For Wastewater System

City leaders in  Burley say they'll go to a judge instead of voters for permission to take on $6 million in long-term debt to improve the city's wastewater system. Idaho law bars government entities from taking on long-term debt without voter approval, unless a judge agrees that the expense is ordinary and necessary to keep the government operating. The Times-News  reports that nobody spoke in favor or against the plan at a recent city hearing.  City engineer Bryan Reiter says the city needs to improve the wastewater plant so it can handle an increase in flows while the city's industrial system is improved. City leaders plan to pay the debt back through industrial sewer rates.