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Grayson County PSA to seek bids after homeowners request water service to Aven Crest Lane
Summary
Board members heard from staff that three to four families on Aven Crest Lane have paid deposits requesting county water; staff gave a contractor estimate of $30,000–$35,000 to extend a two-inch line and recommended soliciting bids and exploring grants before committing funds.
A Grayson County Public Service Authority meeting on May 14 opened a discussion about extending county water service to Aven Crest Lane after several homeowners requested hookups and some paid deposits signaling interest.
Staff reported that former PSA director Zach Jones had asked staff to evaluate the site following his resignation and that the group identified roughly four to seven houses along Aven Crest. "They've been asking for water for a while," a staff member said, noting iron and filtration problems with residents' current sources.
The staff member presented a preliminary contractor estimate of $30,000–$35,000 to run a two-inch water line along the road and said the PSA would need to contract the work; the county's crews would perform trenching and support work. "We would have to contract out the work," the staff member said. They also noted some houses might require secondary pumps at the property to maintain pressure.
Board members said the estimate was reasonable for a small line extension and emphasized caution after past high-cost projects. One member suggested seeking grant funding before spending county revenue, but staff cautioned that water grants often are larger-scale and the grant process can take about two years.
Staff outlined potential alternatives to a full extension, including placing meters along Route 89 so homeowners could connect where the county line already runs and soliciting contractor bids to refine the cost estimate. The staff member confirmed the line would be installed on the house side of the road, avoiding under-highway crossings in the presented option.
On funding, staff said the PSA operates under fund 501 and that user fees are the primary revenue source; when usage fees do not cover maintenance costs, the county may make transfers from the general fund to cover shortfalls. "If the fees for the water usage don't cover those costs, then we are making a transfer from the general fund to cover those," the staff member said. Board members indicated rate and maintenance-fee discussions would occur during the upcoming budget session.
The board directed staff to gather more information and solicit contractor bids to determine a final cost estimate and to report back. Members also said they would explore grant options before approving use of county funds. The PSA recruitment process for a director will continue, and the body plans to revisit the Aven Crest request once bids and more detailed cost information are available.
