Turin council confronts $60,000 water-fund shortfall, orders rate study

Town Clerk Rena Screws told the Turin council that the town’s water fund finished 2025 “negative with $60,000.00,” attributing part of the shortfall to unplanned major leaks.

Mayor Sprouse said he wants the 2026 budget ready for adoption with public hearings by May and for work to begin promptly on the 2027 budget so the town does not miss grant opportunities. “I want the budget for 2026 ready to be adopted with all the public hearings in place by May,” he said.

Rena Screws said the town’s CPA recommended charging a larger percentage of payroll to the water fund than the current 30% and suggested the council consider raising water rates to align with surrounding areas. Water Superintendent Rusty Russell said several major leaks that were not budgeted contributed to the shortfall.

Attorney Mark Mitchell advised the council that the town should commission a formal rate study; Russell agreed and the council discussed seeking assistance from the Georgia Rural Water Association to complete that study.

Members also discussed the town’s bank accounts and low interest rates: Clerk Rena Screws reported the current bank rate is about 0.05% and said staff are gathering options from First People’s Bank and Truist to secure better rates and services for town funds.

The council did not take a final vote at the work session but recorded these budget priorities for the coming months: finalize the 2026 budget with public hearings by May, commission a rate study for water, review payroll charge allocations, and consider water-rate adjustments and improved banking arrangements. Copies of the latest budget and audit are available in the clerk’s office for council review.