Residents ask Coffee County committee to help bring city water to JE Sartain Road

JE Sartain Road residents told the Coffee County Health, Welfare and Recreation (HWR) Committee on Feb. 19 that years of relying on a spring have left some households facing discolored or no water and frequent equipment failures, and asked the committee to help fund a connection to city water.

"We just want water," said Judy Pugh, who identified herself as the spokesperson for five to six property owners along JE Sartain Road. Pugh said a well attempt produced a 300-foot dry hole and that a Pro Plumbing technician told her, "I don't know of another place in Coffee County like this. I'm sorry I cannot help you," as she recounted his findings to the committee.

Pugh outlined estimated costs for connecting the road to Manchester's system: an engineering plan she said would cost about $19,000, a 6-inch main priced at approximately $71,000 for pipe alone, and a tap fee of about $2,250 per connection. She said the county previously approved $35,000 for 4-inch pipe and asked the committee to consider an additional payment to meet Manchester's 6-inch requirement.

Committee members questioned whether the county should underwrite infrastructure that could raise private property value and whether costs might be recouped through surcharges or developer contributions. One resident told the committee they had been without water "for well over a week," underscoring the public-health and daily-life consequences raised during the discussion.

Officials and residents repeatedly cited Manchester Water's position that a study must be paid for and that a 6-inch line (including provision for a fire hydrant and valves) would be required to tie into the city system. Committee members said Manchester's requirement effectively drives the scope and cost of any county contribution.

No formal funding motion was approved at the meeting. Instead, committee members agreed to request a meeting with Manchester Water on March 5 to seek clarity about the study, the 6-inch requirement and potential cost-sharing or payback mechanisms. The HWR committee said it will revisit the issue at its March meeting and, if warranted, forward a recommendation to the full county commission for funding consideration.

Several members emphasized the county's rural infrastructure fund as a potential source for projects in sparsely populated areas; Pugh referenced that fund while arguing the requested amount would be a small share of available resources. Committee members said any final funding decision would require formal referral and approval by the full commission.

The committee did not reach a final decision on whether to pay for a 6-inch line, how to account for hydrant and valve costs, or whether to impose surcharges to recover funds. Staff said they will circulate details about the March 5 Manchester meeting and add the item to the HWR agenda following that meeting.

The committee also approved the agenda and previous meeting minutes earlier in the evening and adjourned after scheduling follow-up for March.