Three of the 10 counties involved in Regional Utility Service Systems, or RUSS, are looking to leave the organization and its binding 28E agreement. Washington, Wapello and Mahaska counties are working on an agreement between RUSS and the counties to allow their exit from the organization.

At yesterday’s Washington County Board of Supervisors meeting, supervisor Richard Young said, the deal has been created and payment would be four-and-a-half years of dues, or $61,425 from each county leaving. He added this chance to leave looks to be a one-time opportunity.

Young added there has been some discussion regarding Van Buren County also leaving. Currently RUSS is made up of Washington, Keokuk, Mahaska, Wapello, Jefferson, Henry, Louisa, Des Moines, Lee and Van Buren counties in Southeast Iowa.

KCII News will bring you more information as it becomes official.