Clinton Community Hall could be back in business with modern indoor plumbing conveniences next month.

The campaign to raise funds to replace its aging and defunct septic system is nearing its goal of $15,000, said Catherine Billera, president of the Clinton Progressive Association.

“We have had amazing success with our fundraising,” Billera said. “South Whidbey really came through for us and we are so grateful.”

The 65-year-old septic system failed in early December.

It needs to be replaced with new drain fields, lines and tanks, a project estimated to cost about $15,000.

As of Friday, almost $14,000 had been donated through an online GoFundMe account and via the old-fashioned way, by writing a check. It’s enough to start firm plans toward the installation of an upgraded septic system.

“Island County health department approved our plans and we were scheduled to start excavation on Monday,” Billera said, “but Snowmageddon stopped us cold, quite literally.”

The nonprofit Clinton Progressive Association oversees the Clinton Community Hall, which is a popular meeting space on Whidbey’s south end for government forums, dances and private parties.

The meeting and event space remained open for scheduled functions the past several months, but its kitchen and restrooms are off limits.

Two portable outdoor toilets are adequate for most functions but not for wedding receptions and other fancier affairs.

Some planned holiday parties were canceled but overall most events, large and small, went ahead as scheduled, Billera said.

Washington State Ferries kept its scheduled Feb. 6 pre-construction meeting to discuss the design of improved pickup and drop-off areas on Ferry Dock Road and Clinton Library and other organizations also continued to use the space.

“Our rentals are typically slow at the first of the year so it’s hard to say whether we have lost some rental opportunities,” Billera said. “I don’t think we can be disappointed at all given how we started the year.

“We are anxious to get back to 100 percent.”

• Clinton Community Hall septic failure donations accepted until $15,000 is reached, see GoFundMe page: www.gofundme.com/clinton-wa-community-hall-septic-failure-fundraiser