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Milton applies for state grant for a backup well and moves $15,000 to shore up water fund
Summary
Milton officials reported a pre-application to the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission for a well pump upgrade to create a secondary water source and approved a $15,000 transfer from the General Fund to the Water & Sewer Fund after hearing that engineering plans could cost between $5,000 and $8,000.
Milton officials said the town has submitted a pre-application to the North Carolina State Economic and Infrastructure Development grant program (a Southeast Crescent Regional Commission initiative) seeking funds for a well pump upgrade and a second well on town-owned property at the water tower. Mayor Angela Upchurch told the board the town would need engineering plans quickly if the grant advances and said PTRC staff member Hope Stuart had located an engineer who could produce plans “between $5000-$8000, which is phenomenal,” compared with another quote the town received for $45,000.
Finance Officer Elizabeth Lattime reported the town’s Water & Sewer fund is running over budget: water/sewer income of $104,311 against expenses of $180,098, leaving the fund over budget by $21,158 with one month remaining in the fiscal period. The commissioners approved by motion a $15,000 transfer from the General Fund to the Water & Sewer Fund to cover short-term needs; Commissioner Jackie Jeffries moved the transfer and Mayor Pro Tem Robert (Bob) Palmer seconded. The meeting record notes the motion was adopted with all in favor; no individual roll-call tally was provided.
The board also heard updates on wastewater operations. Mayor Upchurch said Carolina Controls completed control-panel work at the wastewater treatment plant, restoring two functioning blowers and improving reliability. WithersRavenel completed a kickoff for an Asset Inventory Assessment (AIA) and submitted a scope of work to the state Department of Environmental Quality for approval; the Mayor said that DEQ review may take several weeks.
If the Southeast Crescent grant application progresses, the town will need to contract for engineering drawings and drilling plans for a secondary well and will tie design requirements to DEQ approvals and the grant’s timeline. For now, officials authorized the short-term transfer and continued pursuing the lower-cost engineering option identified by PTRC staff.
