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Swepsonville council reviews county plan to extend water line to homes near old landfill
Summary
Councilors discussed a county-led proposal to extend a water line down Sweepsack Road to supply five to seven homes near an old landfill; the county would install the line and the town would assume operations of the town-owned portion under a three-party memorandum of understanding with Graham and the county.
The Swepsonville Town Council discussed a county proposal to extend a water line down Sweepsack Road to serve five to seven houses located downstream of an old county landfill.
Chair (S1) opened the item as old business and asked Brad (S2) to summarize the county's position: "The county has been in communication with the town about the possibility to extend the waterline down Swept Sacks Road, to supply 5, 6, maybe 7 houses," Brad said, adding that monitored wells exist in the area and staff view the countyeffort as proactive because "there's some possible contamination in that area."
Brad said the county provided a draft memorandum of understanding that would involve the town, the county and the City of Graham. "The county would install the line, but the town would take over that portion," Brad said. He told the council staff will prepare draft information describing connection procedures, meter types and the town's rate structure so property owners can understand costs and next steps.
Council members asked how many properties would be affected and whether the work would change development patterns. Brad estimated fewer than 10 town-frontage addresses would be directly affected and said the county has not yet provided a firm project timetable; town staff have notified two property owners and suggested May as a possible month to present a draft agreement to council, though the schedule remains tentative.
Why it matters: the proposed extension aims to give affected households an alternative water source in an area with long-term monitored wells and potential contamination connected to an old landfill. The proposal also would transfer operating responsibility for the new line segment to the town, which could affect local rates and maintenance obligations.
Next steps: staff will continue to seek responses from the county to outstanding questions, draft informational materials for property owners, and meet with the county and Graham to refine the memorandum of understanding before bringing a formal agreement back to the council for consideration.
