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Middleburg council adopts updated water-conservation ordinance
Summary
The Town Council voted unanimously to replace Middleburg Town Code section 113-8 with a new water-conservation rule (113-8.1), after discussion about implementation, hardship exemptions and next steps to support residents with large households.
Middleburg Town Council on July 24 adopted a revised water-conservation ordinance, rescinding Town Code section 113-8 and adopting section 113-8.1.
The ordinance replaces the town's prior conservation rules and was adopted after council discussion about implementation and how to handle potential hardships for larger households.
Town Manager Danny Davis told the council staff recommends proceeding with the drafted ordinance and reviewing impacts after implementation. Council members pressed for a clear process to handle household hardship claims, saying they do not want to wait until an emergency to design that process. “We have a very important moral responsibility,” one council member said, urging staff to draft guardrails for variance requests.
Council member Peter Leonard Morgan moved adoption of the ordinance; a second was recorded. The measure passed on recorded vote, with all council members voting aye. The council directed staff to develop an administrative process for hardship or variance requests — including criteria, timing and review steps — and to return with details in the coming months so the town has guidance before a critical shortage might occur.
The new code section number (113-8.1) was referenced in the motion. Town staff also said they are discussing complementary measures such as a program to distribute rain barrels at a reduced cost in partnership with the soil and water conservation district, and will schedule community outreach on reuse and water-saving practices.
The action came amid an overview of the town's water systems earlier in the meeting showing recent system maintenance and the rehabilitation of Well 4, which staff said has returned to service.
Council and staff said the ordinance is intended to be enforced but also flexible: the town will monitor effects and consider adjustments if the rule imposes an unforeseen hardship.
