Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utilities Water topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Raeford council flags concerns in proposed water purchase contract with Hoke County
Summary
Council members raised concerns Aug. 26 about a draft water-purchase contract with Hoke County, citing absence of penalties, enforcement of water restrictions and potential long-term supply impacts; by consensus they asked the city attorney to revise the contract before the Oct. 7 meeting.
City Manager Dennis Baxley told the Raeford City Council on Aug. 26 that a proposed Water Purchase Contract with Hoke County would source water by pumping from a Doc Brown Road pump station, but the current draft contains no penalties and leaves enforcement questions unresolved.
Council members said the city must protect its responsibility to provide adequate water to residents while also enforcing limits on county usage under any sales agreement. Baxley said city wells currently provide ample supply but that could change once the city begins selling water. He suggested operational controls, including reducing system pressure and adjusting pump speed, as potential ways to limit usage.
Council members also expressed concern that the draft contract lacked explicit penalties and asked how water restrictions and conservation would be implemented. Baxley said the county would have to honor water restrictions consistent with the city’s rules, and the council by consensus asked the city attorney to revise the contract to address those concerns before bringing it back for action at the Oct. 7 council meeting.
No formal contract approval occurred at the Aug. 26 special meeting; the council directed the city attorney to draft changes for council review. The clerk and staff will schedule the revised draft for consideration at the Oct. 7 meeting.
