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Saltville council hears USG tank-maintenance update, asks for loan and grant details
Summary
USG Water Solutions presented per-tank maintenance costs and schedules; council asked for quotes and financing options after Town Manager reported a potential $1 million principal forgiveness offer for meter replacement and discussion of tying tank security work to a Bank of Marion loan.
Bert Gore of USG Water Solutions updated the Saltville Town Council on Aug. 26 on the condition and ongoing maintenance needs of the town’s drinking-water storage tanks, providing a per-tank cost breakdown and visuals and noting that the Virginia Department of Health sets maintenance criteria. Town Attorney Paul Cassell advised the council to have the USG contract reviewed before any commitments.
Mayor Cheri Fullen and Town Manager Cecile Rosenbaum discussed financing options to cover proposed security upgrades around tanks and stations — fencing, cameras and generators — and the possibility of tying the work to an existing Fire Department loan (about $12,000 still owed). Rosenbaum said the town currently has a $600,000 line of credit with the Bank of Marion and told council she had reached out to Crossroads Engineering and the Office of Drinking Water; she said Office of Drinking Water contact Anthony Hess had offered approximately $1,000,000 in principal forgiveness to help make the meter-replacement project more feasible.
Public Works Director Brandon Frye gave rough site estimates — about $10,000 per site for eight locations, depending on site specifics — and explained rehabilitation cycles noted in the USG materials (exterior coatings and renovations typically 10–12 years; interior/steel items about 18 years). The council voted to request more detailed information, including contractor quotes, loan rates and term options, before taking further action (motion by Councilman R.B. Henderson; second by Councilman Ryan Comer).
Town Attorney Paul Cassell said he would review contract language and prepare any necessary resolution or draft documents for council consideration. The USG presentation included a cost table and maintenance schedule that staff will include with the financing options for the council’s next meeting.
What’s next: Staff will gather detailed quotes, loan terms, and the contract review requested by council; Rosenbaum and engineering staff will coordinate on the principal-forgiveness paperwork.
