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Snellville weighs up to $2–2.5M contribution to speed county sewer upgrade tied to SPLOST
Summary
Staff told council the county estimates an upgrade of a major sewer pinch point (to 24 inches) would cost about $9.8 million and that the city could accelerate that county project by committing roughly $2–2.5 million in SPLOST overage funds under an intergovernmental agreement; councilors asked whether allocating that money now is prudent given the project timeline.
City staff presented detailed sewer maps and described a capacity 'pinch point' in the town-center sewer system that restricts redevelopment unless a county upgrade occurs. Staff said the county estimated roughly $9.8 million to upsize the critical section to a 24-inch main. The city and county discussed an intergovernmental approach in which the county would handle design, permitting, easements, bidding and construction administration while the city could commit SPLOST 'overage' funds of roughly $2–2.5 million toward the construction phase to speed the county's timeline.
Staff explained how SPLOST allocations are typically distributed by population share and said Snellville's share would be about 2% of the county total, but overage from current collections could be redirected if the city chooses. County staff told the city the county would include the city-funded portion in its capital improvement program, potentially moving the project forward into the FY27 or FY28 budget cycle rather than a distant five- to 10-year timeframe.
Councilors asked whether committing city funds now for a project that could take 2–3 years to construct is the best use of limited funds. Staff answered that the process of design, easement acquisition and permitting often requires two to three years before construction begins and that a council pledge could accelerate the county's scheduling and increase local redevelopment opportunities.
Staff said they are seeking council direction to continue discussions and that the county would allow the city additional time to decide on a financial contribution; no final commitment was recorded in the session.
