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Milton approves one-time water‑bill relief and buys six replacement pumps amid utility funding shifts
Summary
At its June 13 meeting Milton’s board approved a one-time water leak relief application and authorized purchase of six replacement pumps, reallocating ARPA funds to the water fund and continuing work with an engineering firm on a PER/CIP to address ongoing water system needs.
Milton’s board of elected officials voted June 13 to approve one-time leak relief for a church water bill and to authorize buying six replacement pumps as officials move ARPA funds into the town’s water accounts and pursue engineering work to plan system upgrades.
Finance Officer Sharon Williams told the board that a major leak at Word of Faith church released about 39,300 gallons and produced a bill of $13,075.50. Under the town’s one‑time leak relief policy the maximum relief amount is $750; the board approved the church’s application, leaving an outstanding balance of roughly $625.50. The approval was made by motion and carried unanimously.
On the town’s broader infrastructure needs, staff reported pumps are at end of life and three require replacement. Board members discussed unit pricing (about $1,150 each, which the town said includes pumps, plumbing and labor) and a contractor estimate for a larger repair on Broad Street. The board decided to treat approximately $16,000 as ARPA‑eligible and approved purchasing six pumps (motion by Commissioner Valerie Sottile; seconded by Commissioner Sherri Garrard). The motion passed with all members recorded as in favor.
Mayor Patricia Williams and staff also described recent meetings with Withers and Ravenel, the engineering firm the town is considering to produce a Preliminary Engineering Report (PER) and a Capital Improvement Plan (CIP). The town said it is awaiting a final agreement and Task 1 scope from the firm and tentatively scheduled a follow‑up meeting to continue the PER/CIP work.
Board discussion and the minutes show the Local Government Commission (LGC) sent a letter addressed to Elizabeth Baser at the Department of Environmental Quality noting that ARPA monies had been moved into the Water/Sewer Fund; the town recorded that correspondence under new business and said the move will affect transfers for the next two years. Town staff told the board they added an ARPA line item of $50,000 per auditor guidance and made other budget reallocations to cover repair and maintenance needs.
What’s next: staff will finalize pump procurement and follow up on contractor estimates for Broad Street repairs. The town is awaiting the engineering firm’s Task 1 and a scheduled consultant follow‑up meeting. The board also scheduled a special meeting on June 20 to finalize the FY 2023–24 budget, which will reflect the ARPA and water‑fund decisions.
