Q: What might be an indicator that my system needs to be repaired or replaced?
A: The following items may indicate your system is having issues and needs to be repaired or replaced; history of sewer backups, plumbing drains slowly, pumping excessively to prevent backups, depressions in yard, etc. We recommend speaking with an installer or inspector to determine if your system would qualify for this program.
Q: Is connecting to an available public sewer system an eligible expense?
A: If the existing septic system is failing and there is public sewer available within 200' then the grant would consider connection an eligible expense. If the available sewer connection is more than 200' away from a public sewer system, grant funding could be used for a private septic system or a connection to the public sewer system. May be asked to supply the cost differential between the two options.
Q: Will the eligibility restrictions loosen ?
A: At this time, we do not have an answer to that question and the eligibility requirements in place are what we must follow. Monona County is maintaining a list of people that have contacted us and are not currently eligible, if the restrictions change we plan on notifying these property owners of the changes.
APPLICATION QUESTIONS
Q: When does this grant start/ When Can applications be submitted?
A: Phase one has already began and applications can be submitted now. Contact Monona County Environmental Health to verify you qualify and staff will help you start the application process.
Q: How do we apply?
A: Owners must work with Monona County Environmental Health to fill out the application. Once staff determines a property is eligible they will begin filling out the form with the owner. Once the form and needed attachments are ready both the sanitarian and property owner will sign the application prior to submission.
Q: Besides the application what else is needed?
A: In addition to the application, a written estimate from an installer is needed along with a septic construction permit from the county. Monona County may issue a Preliminary Construction permit for the purposes of this grant.
Q: Am I required to have a written report from an installer or pumper stating that my system needs to be replaced or repaired?
A: At this time, this is not a requirement by IFA. However, the more supporting documentation we have increases your chances for approval when the application is submitted.
Q: Why can't I submit my ACH Form to the county with my application?
A: IFA will be reimbursing property owners directly. Since the ACH form contains personal information such as social security and bank account numbers the Environmental Health Department does not want to be responsible for the security of that information and has decided to not accept those forms.
Q: When do I need to apply for a Construction Permit?
A: Once IFA approves the grant application, the property owner will need to apply through the Environmental Health Department for a septic permit. The fee is $150. Before the permit can be issued, a site evaluation needs to be done with contractor and Monona County Environmental Health.
Q: Who can install my septic system?
A: In Monona County a homeowner is allowed to install a septic system. Because this is a grant being awarded, it is highly recommended to have a septic contractor install the system. A list of licensed installers can be found on their website at
https://mononacounty.iowa.gov/Zoning.
Q: How quickly will we be notified if awarded the grant?
A: As this is a new program it is hard to say, however, if a complete application is submitted IFA anticipates a quick turnaround.
AWARD QUESTIONS
Q: What expenses are covered?
A: Grant awards may fund all costs directly related to the design, permitting and construction of the private sewage disposal system. Eligible costs include; permit fees, soil evaluation; the removal of existing structures, such as abandoned septic tanks; earth moving related to proper wastewater treatment, tanks, pump vaults, secondary and tertiary treatment systems, etc.)
Q: Is there a cap?
A: At this time there is not a cap and all funds directly related to the design, permitting and construction of the private sewage disposal system are eligible. The Iowa Finance Authority may implement one at a later date so it is best to ask during the application process.
Q: What systems can be installed if awarded the grant?
A: All systems approved for installation in IAC 567.69 are eligible. County must approve the system to be installed. Monona County will follow the Chapter 69 matrix in determining type of system to install whenever possible.
Q: What if plumbing needs to be rerouted, connected or disconnected for waste streams to be properly treated and compliant with Chapter 69 is this an eligible expense?
A: Presently, internal plumbing is not an eligible expense of this grant. The work would still need to be done to ensure the system is compliant with current rules, but it would be at the property owner's expense.
Q: Is an inspection required and why?
A: Yes, a final inspection by the county is required before grant money is issued to the property owner. This is not only a requirement of the grant, but also state and local rules state that all systems be permitted and inspected to ensure compliance with Chapter 69. The installer must schedule the inspection with the county and all components must be visible for inspection.
Q: Must the final invoice be itemized and why?
A: Yes, the final invoice must be itemized. This is so IFA can determine eligible expenses to pay out as well as verify and prove all expenses paid out met the guidelines of the grant if they get audited.
Q: What if the final invoice comes in lower than the estimated bid that was submitted with application?
A: IFA will only reimburse eligible expenses listed on the itemized invoice and only for that amount. Money not spent will go back into the funding pool and remain available for other participants.
Q: What if the final invoice comes in above the estimated bid that was submitted with the application?
A: At this time, we are being told if money is available all eligible expenses will be covered if they can be justified by the installer and county. If it is something that impacts costs significantly the installer should let the county know the anticipated increase so IFA can be informed to ensure money would still be available before proceeding.
Q: When will the property owner receive the grant money (award)?
A: The property owner will receive the grant money once the system is installed, passed inspection and all reports have been submitted to the county and IFA. IFA anticipates a fairly quick turnaround, but no definite timeframes were given as this is a new program and they are unsure what to expect.
Q: Is the installer paid directly by IFA once the work is inspected and approved?
A: No, IFA will directly deposit the grant award into the property owner's account once the final reports have been submitted and approved. The property owner is responsible to pay the installer in the manner prescribed by that private business.
Q: How soon must the system be installed?
A: The system needs to be installed within 6 months from the date IFA approves the grant. This is to ensure funds are put in the hands of the people and projects are done in a timely manner. It is important that the installer is aware of this and can meet this deadline.
Q: What if the 6-month deadline cannot be met?
A: The grant agreement IFA has is with the homeowner so they will need to notify IFA why the deadline cannot be met and request an extension to the completion deadline. These will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis but if there are legitimate reasons they should be willing to extend the completion date. Please note that until you have confirmation from IFA that the money is still available the system should not be installed.
MISCELLANEOUS QUESTIONS
Q: Is this considered taxable income?
A: Some uses of American Rescue Plan State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds may trigger tax consequences. In general, any grant payment(s) received must be included in the calculation of gross income unless an exclusion applies. For further information, please consult with a tax advisor
Q: What if I do not receive this grant, but still need repair or replace my septic system and do not have the money?
A: If you are not awarded the grant and need to repair/replace your system there are two (2) other programs that may be available to you. The State Revolving Fund's Onsite Wastewater Assistance Program (OSWAP) and USDA Rural Development Water & Wastewater Loan & Grant Program. Information on both of the programs can be found on the Monona County Environmental Health Page under Financial Assistance for Septic Systems.
