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Board directs reduced-scope Clear Creek sewer bids, tables Etowah treatment decision
Summary
Henderson County commissioners directed staff to solicit bids for a reduced Phase I of the Clear Creek project to address Edneyville Elementary's septic concerns, and by consensus tabled a final decision on the costly Etowah wastewater options pending further review.
The Henderson County Board of Commissioners on June 17 directed staff to solicit bids for a reduced-scope Phase I of the Clear Creek sewer project while tabling a final selection of options for the Etowah wastewater treatment plant until its mid-July meeting.
Marcus Jones told the Board the Clear Creek project design is complete but funding was reallocated from ARPA to the Etowah project, which altered the project's scope. Chairman William Lapsley and Commissioner Jay Egolf emphasized Edneyville Elementary’s vulnerability — it remains the last county school on a septic system and served as an emergency shelter during Hurricane Helene — and urged bidding so the County could understand likely construction costs and avoid short-term emergency repairs.
Commissioner Sheila Franklin opposed soliciting bids before a funding source was identified, citing the potential expense of rebidding (estimated by staff at about $50,000). After discussion, Commissioner Edney moved to direct staff to solicit reduced-scope Phase I bids; the motion carried unanimously.
On the Etowah treatment options, consultant WithersRavenel and staff presented six alternatives ranging from lower-cost upgrades (roughly $2 million less for current-capacity fixes compared with some options) to costly infrastructure and land-acquisition approaches that could require over $20 million and potential treatment fees if connecting to neighboring systems. Commissioners differed on preferences (Options 2, 5, 6 were discussed); Chairman Lapsley proposed and the Board agreed to postpone a final selection for about one month to allow additional review and funding exploration.
