Caswell County hears water-system management proposal; board asks staff to research tap expansion

Josh Johnson, presenting for I Williams, Carmen and King, told the board that Caswell County operates two state-regulated community water systems purchased from the city of Damble and that system documents and fees have not been updated since about 2010.

Johnson said regulatory requirements, cross-connection/backflow policies and capital planning have evolved, and the county is currently subsidizing repairs from general funds rather than a water fund. “The proposal includes a rate analysis … and a fee schedule update,” he said, explaining the work would also update the operation-and-maintenance plan, shortage-response plan and a cross-connection ordinance and program.

Commissioners probed tap-fee levels, industry sensitivity to impact fees, whether sewer is included (it is not), and how additional taps would affect the county’s contract with the city supplying water. Mr. Hayes, the maintenance director, and other commissioners stressed the need for realistic tap and fire-line pricing; one commissioner said current 1-inch tap fees ($150 in the packet) are far below market estimates for small counties. The board asked the county manager and RD to research the feasibility of adding additional taps on Jenny Lane and to report back at the June 1 meeting.

No final action was taken; staff indicated FY26 maintenance funds exist to pay for the analysis and that any rate or tap changes would include notice to existing customers.