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Claiborne supervisors approve CDBG application for Hermanville lagoon repairs
Summary
The board voted to let Southwest Planning apply for a Community Development Block Grant to repair the inoperable Hermanville wastewater lagoon and to advertise for engineering services and a public hearing.
The Claiborne County Board of Supervisors voted Feb. 3 to authorize Southwest Planning to apply for a Community Development Block Grant to repair the Hermanville wastewater lagoon.
The motion, made by Supervisor Chamblee and seconded by Supervisor Odom, carried after an exchange about the lagoon’s condition and the need for both short-term repairs and a larger grant-funded overhaul. "The lagoon is not operable right now," wastewater operator Spencer Ford told the board, saying stations are down and sewer is backing up into streets and creeks. He urged the county to pursue grants and engineering work rather than spend large sums on temporary fixes.
Lynette Smith of Southwest Planning briefed the board on CDBG rules and timing. "The maximum amount you can apply for is $750,000, and it's a 10% match," Smith said, and she recommended selecting the Hermanville lagoon as the county’s CDBG project, holding a public hearing and advertising for engineering services should the board approve.
Board discussion acknowledged both immediate health concerns and fiscal strategy: Ford urged limited, temporary purchase orders to keep treatment operating until the grant project begins, while Smith and the board stressed the need for engineering oversight on any construction funded by CDBG. Supervisor Chamblee made the motion to authorize application and to permit a public hearing and advertisement for engineering services; Supervisor Odom seconded and the motion passed.
The board did not set a final project budget at the meeting; Ford estimated repair needs could range from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on the extent of cell breaches, lift-station work and site remediation. He also said the operator would work with engineers on appropriate equipment selection if the grant is awarded.
The board directed staff to proceed with the application process and with scheduling the required public hearing and procurement for engineering services.
Ending: County staff and Southwest Planning will return with notices, engineering solicitations and a public-hearing schedule if the grant application proceeds.
