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Harnett Regional Water outlines multiyear capital plan; commissioners table fluoridation decision
Summary
Harnett Regional Water presented a 10-year capital improvement plan with near-term projects totaling about $149 million and long-term items including a potential $120 million treatment plant. Commissioners voted to table a separate agenda item on fluoridating county water.
HARNETT COUNTY, N.C. — Harnett Regional Water presented a 10‑year capital improvement plan and an update on system development fees and tap fees, detailing near‑term projects and potential costs from PFAS treatment needs. Separately, the Board of Commissioners voted to table indefinitely a decision on fluoridation of county water.
Tommy Burns of Harnett Regional Water told the board the utility’s capital improvement plan (CIP) shows roughly $149 million in capital projects in the 2025–26 planning column, including an ongoing North Harnett wastewater treatment plant upgrade (reported construction cost of $111,376,000) and several distribution and force-main projects. Burns said other near-term items include a planned Wake County distribution upgrade (estimated at $22,650,000) and a Southwest wastewater pump station (the Highway 87/force main project) estimated at $11,500,000 that is awaiting federal easements.
Burns outlined a potential larger project for 2027–28: a proposed Northeast Harnett regional water treatment plant with an estimated cost of $120 million. His revenue assumptions for that scenario included $30 million in revenue bonds, $30 million in state revolving loans and $40 million from regional partner participation; the plan included proposed rate changes in the 2027–28 column (a $24 minimum residential charge and $6 per 1,000 gallons above minimum; some bulk rates increasing to $3.15–$3.50).
On PFAS, Burns told commissioners Harnett Regional has a PFAS pilot study at the wastewater plant and that treatment requirements could require upgrades estimated on the low end at $80 million and up to $120 million depending on treatment technology (granular activated carbon or ion exchange). When asked about the current PFAS levels, Burns said the utility’s mandate will be to treat to a 4 parts-per-trillion maximum contaminant level and noted federal and state funding sources were not yet committed for PFAS-specific projects; Burns said the utility plans to apply for grants where feasible.
On system development fees (SDFs) and tap fees, Burns reviewed the statutory framework the board referenced (House Bill 436, which authorizes counties to impose SDFs) and described the 2023 financial analysis done by Willdan. Burns said Willdan recommended a maximum SDF of $38.50 for water and $43.50 for sewer; the transcript indicates the board adopted lower fees at that time but the meeting record did not clearly capture the adopted numeric values. Burns said the county used the buy‑in method to set fees and that Willdan is available to update the analysis more frequently than every five years if the board wishes.
During a separate agenda item, a commissioner moved to table indefinitely discussion of fluoridating county water "until we have a chance to look at it," and another commissioner seconded. The motion passed on voice vote; commissioners said they want more information and additional review from public‑health staff before making a policy decision.
No rate ordinances or fee changes were adopted at the meeting; Burns said the CIP will be included in the county budget documents and that the CIP is scheduled for adoption as part of the June budget process.
