SEQUIM — Extending city sewer lines to Carlsborg would not only benefit residents and businesses there, it would bring a financial boost to ratepayers in Sequim, city officials said Wednesday.

Even better, a federal grant could pay for the bulk of the initial construction.

The idea of offering sewer service to Carlsborg, which is in Sequim’s urban growth area, has floated among staffers and the City Council for years, City Manager Bill Elliott told council members at a study session.

Public Works Director Jim Bay has also discussed running city sewer lines east to Blyn, allowing an expanding Jamestown S’Klallam tribe to remove its tribal center, 7 Cedars Casino and planned resort from septic systems.

But with discussions accelerating between Mayor Walt Schubert and Jim Rosenburgh, Carlsborg Community Advisory Council vice chairman, the council agreed it was time to draft a “memo of understanding” that would allow the city, county and Carlsborg property owners to begin discussions.

“When I took this job, my first reaction to this issue was, ‘Why would we want to do this?”‘ Elliott said.

“But now I believe it only makes sense.”