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Barrow County approves intergovernmental water agreements and $75 million bond authorization for Bear Creek expansion
Summary
The Barrow County Board approved amendments extending Upper Oconee/authority water agreements 50 years and authorized a $75 million bond issuance as part of a multi-county financing plan to expand the Bear Creek water treatment facility, securing the county’s long-term water entitlement share of 14,250,000 gallons per day.
The Barrow County Board of Commissioners on Nov. 12 approved amendments to intergovernmental water agreements and authorized a bond resolution to finance a major expansion of the Bear Creek water treatment facility.
Deputy County Manager Wes Geddings told the board the amendments extend existing agreements another 50 years, through Oct. 23, 2074, and preserve Barrow County’s entitlement share of 33.93%, or 14,250,000 gallons per day. "This secures our water supply for 4 counties for the next 50 years," Geddings said.
The board was presented a schedule for validation and market offering; staff said bonds would go to market Nov. 19 with closing planned for Dec. 12. The full project amortization discussed was for up to $140 million, with the 2024 issuance expected to total $75,000,000 spread among the participating counties.
County Attorney (S5) advised the board the package includes validation steps and closing documents that may require the chair’s signature. On a motion and second, the commission approved the resolution and authorized the chair to sign any documents necessary to consummate the transaction.
The action was presented as part of an intergovernmental effort with Oconee and Jackson counties; officials said the financing supports planned treatment-plant capacity increases tied to regional growth. The board did not record a roll-call tally in the transcript beyond "That motion carries."
