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Mount Olive seeks grant help for water-treatment work as residents cite moratorium, past funding concerns
Summary
The Mount Olive Board approved a resolution letting engineering firm TRC prepare a funding application for water-treatment renovations while residents questioned why about $20 million previously provided for wastewater improvements has not resolved a development moratorium blocking new businesses.
Mayor Jerome Newton presided over the Sept. 8 Mount Olive Board of Commissioners meeting as the board approved a resolution permitting TRC to prepare a 'DWI' funding application for water treatment system renovations.
Resident Dan McPhail told the board legislators had provided about $20 million over recent years for wastewater treatment-plant improvements but said the town remains under a moratorium preventing new businesses from connecting. "How do you misspend that much funding," McPhail asked, and he asked whether contractors had performance bonds. Mayor Newton said he would follow up with Mr. McPhail.
Interim Town Manager Glenn Holland said the application could include work at both water plants and cited staffing constraints but said a town employee would oversee the work if the project proceeds and that a performance bond would be required. "We are looking for both water plants," Holland said when asked whether the filter replacement included Gordon Street; he added that work could depend on how the application scores.
Mayor Pro-Tempore Barbara Kornegay moved to approve Action Memo 09-20 authorizing TRC to prepare the application; Commissioner Tommy Brown seconded and the motion passed 5-0. The board emphasized the action authorizes only the preparation and submission of an application; no grant funds have been awarded to date.
The board also scheduled a special-called meeting to consider TRC grant administration and engineering agreements and related project ordinances tied to Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) infrastructure funding. Because several commissioners reported conflicts with the initial Sept. 18 date, staff were directed to select another date, advertise it and post it on the town website.
Mayor Newton told the board he supports a full forensic audit to clarify past financial decisions and said the current board must take responsibility and emphasize transparency as the town works to resolve service and development issues.
Next steps: TRC will be authorized to prepare the application; the town will set a new special-meeting date for board consideration of TRC agreements and related project ordinances.
