Commissioners hear Sonoco plant and sewer operations updates; discuss surplus irrigation equipment

County staff told Morrow County commissioners on Aug. 12 that the Sonoco plant at the local project site is 'up and operating' while some construction items remain unfinished.

Speaking during the operations update, Speaker 5 reported that the plant is running and that 'one part still needs to be calibrated, which is your flow meter that happens this Thursday.' The speaker listed outstanding items including fence installation, ceiling work and concrete sealer. Staff said they expect some steel to be installed on the office frontage this week and described plans for biweekly construction meetings and a possible site walk for commissioners and staff.

On sewer operations, Speaker 5 relayed an update from the county sewer operator, Lonnie McGee, reporting what the transcript records as 'a little over a 100 gallons over mid' in recent flows. Speaker 5 characterized remaining work as largely cosmetic and noted the county was pursuing a state funding item (referenced in the transcript as approximately $200,000) that requires certification by a state team.

Commissioners also discussed irrigation equipment no longer needed at a property the county no longer leases and considered asking staff to explore selling the equipment on the county's behalf through a reputable vendor, with proceeds subject to the county's surplus-asset process.

Staff previewed an upcoming meeting on a gas-line project and related agreements intended to coordinate development steps with Knox County via the county development authority.

The session then returned to routine business and concluded with adjournment.