Mocksville approves amended operations agreement with Veolia for water and wastewater services

The Mocksville Town Board voted to approve an amended and restated operations, maintenance and management services agreement with Veolia covering the town's water treatment and wastewater treatment operations, pretreatment program, and distribution and meter services.

Town Manager Lee told the board that Veolia "has done everything they said they would and more to be compliant with the state," and described the company as a potential turnkey operator that can help fill staffing gaps and let the public works group focus on street maintenance. Lee recommended approving the amended agreement with Veolia and asked that the town manager and town attorney be authorized to finalize the remaining contract details.

Commissioner Rob moved the approval; Commissioner Carl seconded and the board approved the motion by voice vote. Staff said the Veolia transition was planned to begin July 1 as presented by staff.

The meeting record also shows the agenda was amended earlier in the meeting to add item 9G referencing an amended agreement with "the Olea" in the amount of $1,296,147. The transcript records the later substantive presentation and vote as concerning Veolia; no dollar amount for the Veolia contract was stated on the record during the public motion and vote.

Why it matters: staff said hiring certified operators and retaining licensed personnel has become difficult and that contracting operations could reduce operational risk, improve regulatory compliance and streamline response to waterline breaks and meter issues.

Next steps: the board authorized staff to finalize contractual language and move forward with the operational transition as negotiated with Veolia.