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Manila council adopts 50/50 cost-share to split shared water meters, orders second-opinion supply study
Summary
Manila’s council approved a plan for the town to pay half the cost to split three shared water meters and authorized a $35,360 water-supply evaluation amid development pressure and lingering concerns about recent well refurbishment performance.
Mayor Kathi Knight announced on April 9 that the Town of Manila will share the cost to split three longstanding shared water meters, agreeing to pay half of the then-current $2,690 connection fee while property owners pay the other half.
Councilmember Sarah Mraz-Ealy moved to adopt the 50/50 cost-share plan with a two-year deadline for owners to complete the split and with payment-plan options; Councilmember Bill Rylander seconded and the motion carried with Councilmember Gretchen Northcott recusing herself because she is one of the affected property owners. Under the arrangement, owners who do not split their meters within two years will be responsible for the full then-current connection fee.
The council also authorized a second-opinion water-supply evaluation from Forsgren Associates for $35,360 to analyze system capacity, determine whether a new well is needed, and assess the possibility of reusing previously abandoned wells. Mayor Knight described the move as prudent given recent and proposed development in town—including projects totaling roughly 225 units across multiple proposals—and likened the evaluation to seeking a second medical opinion before major work.
Councilmembers and staff also discussed water-conservation measures for the coming summer, noting the town’s basic water plan currently allocates 7,000 gallons per residence and that evening/night watering reduces evaporation. The town will locate and review an older conservation ordinance that limited watering to cooler hours, promote the online water-usage portal and leak-alert email function, and reiterate watering-hour guidance in the town newsletter and website.
Councilmember Gretchen Northcott raised concerns about reduced well performance after about $700,000 was spent refurbishing three wells, noting that Well #3 required a patched casing and is producing less water than expected. Mayor Knight said she will consult the town engineer and consider inviting contractor representatives (Widdison or Roger Witthouse) to a future meeting to review the refurbishment data and discuss possible options or recourse.
The council framed the split-meter policy and the Forsgren evaluation as steps to improve fairness for property owners and to clarify the town’s long-term water capacity before further development proceeds.
