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Board approves regional water loan forgiveness request for rural water project
Summary
The board approved a loan forgiveness request and amended loan agreement for a regional water improvement project, allowing homes with drilled wells to connect to pipeline service; staff said minimum monthly charge for inactive connections is about $60.
The County Board of Supervisors voted to approve a loan forgiveness request and an amended loan agreement dated July 15, 2021, for a regional water improvement project, county staff said.
Tom Coleman, manager of Regional Water, appeared with county staff including Matt Wyatt, director of planning and development, and Mitch Kaye, chief financial officer, to summarize supporting documentation and invoices the utility provided. Staff said invoices first requested in November were supplied and reviewed, and that the documentation supports approving the forgiveness request.
Board members discussed how some corner lots drilled private wells but have requested the county water service because they prefer a pipeline hookup as backup; staff said two homeowners who purchased lots that previously were not planned for service asked to connect. Staff said a separation device (to prevent private well water from entering the public system) is required under the contract and that both homeowners said their intention is to continue using their wells for outdoor uses while using the county water for cooking, drinking and bathing.
Officials discussed a mandatory minimum charge for service even if the household does not use water; staff said they were “not 100% sure” of the precise amount but believed it to be about $60 per month and that the county intended not to charge more than the standard starting rate used for residents at Urban Bluffs. The board also discussed USDA loan requirements tied to revenue and the need to maintain monthly fees to support loan repayment.
Tom Coleman confirmed water is physically available to the developments and that hookups are administratively pending. A board member asked about chlorination and water quality; staff said there were no chlorination issues and that valves remain to be turned to enable service to the developments.
A member moved to approve the loan forgiveness request and a second was recorded; the board approved the motion by voice vote with no recorded opposition.
