Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Utilities topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Fincastle schedules Dec. 11 public hearing on water, cites pump failure and permit delay
Summary
Town staff told council that water and sewer rates have not changed since 2021 and a public hearing on a rate study is set for Dec. 11; council also learned a backup well pump failed and replacement plus installation is estimated at $15,000, and that reissuance of the town27s VPDES permit is delayed by the federal shutdown.
Mayor Mary Bess Smith opened the Nov. 13 Town Council meeting and staff reviewed several items related to town utilities.
Melanie McFadyen, the town manager, said water and sewer rates have not been raised since 2021 and announced a public hearing on the water/sewer rate study will be held at the council27s Dec. 11 meeting. The public hearing will give residents a chance to review any proposed changes before the council considers action.
McFadyen also reported that well pump #1, the town27s backup pump, failed about six weeks ago. A replacement pump is on backorder with an expected ship date of Nov. 17, 2025; the pump itself is estimated to cost $12,000 and the total estimated cost including installation is $15,000.
On environmental compliance, McFadyen said the town pays the permitting fee annually and uses CHA engineering consultants to prepare the paperwork required by the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality for reissuance of its VPDES permit. The current permit expires Dec. 1; staff said the new application is expected to be approved by the end of November but that the process is being delayed by the federal government shutdown.
The council approved routine financial items earlier in the meeting, including the November monthly bills and the October Treasurer27s reports, and did not take further action on the utility items at this session. The council will consider any testimony and proposed rate changes at its Dec. 11 meeting.
