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Farmville board authorizes town manager to pursue talks with Clearwater Solutions for wastewater operations
Summary
After a presentation from Clearwater Solutions, the board directed Town Manager Justin Oakes to pursue an agreement (not to exceed the proposed cost) to have Clearwater operate the town's wastewater plant; the board also noted the current contract with Viola comes up for renewal in July.
The Farmville Board of Commissioners on June 1 authorized Town Manager Justin Oakes to pursue discussions with Clearwater Solutions about operating the town’s wastewater treatment plant.
Drake Robart, Eastern Area Manager for Clearwater Solutions, described the company as a U.S.-owned utilities operator with experience across several states and a range of facility sizes. Robart said Clearwater can onboard current local operators if the town chooses and emphasized options to either retain existing staff or deploy new crews, subject to standard onboarding checks.
"We're always open to maintain staff if that's the direction of the board ... as long as they meet our onboarding standards," Robart said, referencing drug tests, background checks and DMV checks for direct hires.
Staff noted a $20,000 repair-and-maintenance budget proposal that differs from the town's current arrangement, where the first $300 of certain expenses are covered under an existing deductible arrangement. Town Manager Oakes advised that the current agreement with Viola expires in July and recommended moving quickly if the board wanted to transition providers.
Commissioner Smith moved to have the town manager pursue an agreement with Clearwater Solutions not to exceed the proposal amount; following a voice vote, the motion passed.
The board did not finalize a contract on June 1; the action authorizes negotiations and a potential agreement subject to further review and town approval.
