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Council approves supplemental water agreement with Douglasville authority over objections about annexation clause
Summary
By a 3–2 vote the council authorized a 10-year supplemental water purchase agreement with the Douglasville-Douglas County Water and Sewer Authority, drawing objections from council members who said the contract’s references to an existing annexation agreement could limit property-owner rights.
Villa Rica’s council authorized a supplemental water-supply intergovernmental agreement with the Douglasville-Douglas County Water and Sewer Authority by a 3–2 vote after a lengthy discussion about annexation language in the contract.
Utilities Director John Bain explained the proposed agreement would secure a minimum purchase of 300,000 gallons per day at 78% of the authority’s tier 1 rate until usage exceeded 600,000 gallons per day, at which point a tiered rate would apply. The 10-year agreement would begin April 1, 2025 and be renewable. Bain said the agreement also preserves required watershed protections for the Dog River Basin in line with Metro North Georgia Water Planning District obligations.
Several council members questioned a clause referencing the city’s existing annexation agreement with Douglas County. One council member said the clause could allow the water authority to terminate service if the city annexed property; another council member said the clause simply asks the city to comply with an extant intergovernmental annexation agreement. City Attorney Kevin Drummond clarified the contract asks the city to comply with the existing county annexation agreement and that changes to that agreement could be negotiated later.
After discussion the council voted to authorize the mayor to execute the agreement; the vote was recorded as three in favor and two opposed.
Why it matters: The agreement secures supplemental wholesale water for Villa Rica as the city grows. The annexation language prompted concern from some council members who said it could be viewed as limiting property-owner or municipal authority without clear mitigation language.
What’s next: The agreement begins April 1, 2025 if executed; staff will monitor purchases under the agreement and report back on usage and any annexation-related impacts.
