Halifax County authorizes $100,000 transfer, MOU with Weldon to study regional water-treatment options

The Halifax County Board of Commissioners on June 2 voted to enter a memorandum of understanding with the Town of Weldon to jointly pursue a preliminary engineering report (PER) for a proposed Weldon water-treatment project and approved an ordinance transferring $100,000 from the county capital reserve into the county water department budget to pay the county’s share of the study and related professional services.

County attorneys and staff described the MOU as a starting agreement that commits both parties to share PER costs on a 50/50 basis; detailed project terms would follow if the PER recommends construction or a long-term arrangement. The county attorney said the PER will examine options including co-ownership of a treatment facility or a reserve-capacity contract with the town and will estimate likely rate impacts for customers.

Commissioners pressed staff on affordability and potential rate increases for county water customers. Commissioner Barrett and others said they were reluctant to ask residents already facing higher water bills to absorb further increases. Staff and consultants responded that the PER is needed precisely to produce reliable cost and rate estimates and to compare alternatives such as maintaining multiple small plants versus a regional treatment solution.

County leaders also said legal support from experienced interlocal counsel will be prudent if negotiations move beyond the PER. The motions to approve the MOU and to transfer $100,000 passed unanimously. Staff said any future construction, ownership or rate decisions would require separate board approvals and detailed interlocal agreements.