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Floyd leaders question proposed four-year PSA charter, seek explanation from county
Summary
Mayor Will Griffin told the Town Council he consulted Gentry Locke about a county proposal to renew the Public Service Authority charter for four years; Griffin said counsel had not seen charters shorter than 20 years and the council asked Superintendent Jerry Boothe for an explanation before deciding on a response.
Floyd town officials raised concerns Feb. 19 after learning the Floyd County Board of Supervisors proposed a four-year renewal of the Public Service Authority (PSA) charter, a much shorter term than the original 50-year charter.
Mayor Will Griffin summarized a recent PSA meeting and said Superintendent Jerry Boothe presented a resolution signed by the Board of Supervisors. Griffin told council members he had consulted representatives from Gentry Locke, a law firm that advised the town on the proposal; according to Griffin, the firm "advised they had never encountered a charter with terms less than 20 years." The council asked Superintendent Boothe to provide an explanation for the proposed four-year term.
Council members discussed the potential implications of a shortened charter term, including how the town could respond and the benefits of a longer commitment for infrastructure planning and intergovernmental stability. Town Attorney Janet Murrell and Town Manager Andrew Morris joined the discussion; Murrell said the council should identify provisions it wants included and consider legal options before the charter’s mid-April timeline.
Mayor Griffin said he had requested further documentation and that Gentry Locke provided an engagement letter outlining available options. Council members also discussed steps to better educate residents about what the PSA does and the areas it serves before taking action.
No formal motion or vote on the PSA charter occurred at the meeting. Council members agreed to seek additional explanation from the county and legal clarification before deciding on a formal response or next steps.
