While one commissioner opined that the new DeKalb Utility District water treatment facility was being “...shoved down everybody’s throat...” at the county commission meeting last week, Mayor Mike Foster made it clear that the commission has no control over the DUD board of directors.
Jerry Adcock, the commissioner from the 5th District, brought the issue up at last Monday night's meeting, saying that he felt the county should not only have some say in the matter of the plant, but that he felt the commissioners should make clear to the public where they stand on the matter.
“I know that they (DUD) have already made up their mind, but I think the commission should either say we're for it or against it. The people should at least know where we stand.”
“We have absolutely no control over them,” the mayor replied.
“I don't like the idea that five people (on the DUD board) can make up their mind and apply for federal grants through us and then don't do what we want,” Adcock retorted.
Foster replied, “We have absolutely no control over them other than appointing them by the statute.”
Foster told the commission that while he may not be pleased with the way the process is carried out, he has worked to make the county’s presence on the DUD board stronger.
“I don't particularly like the system,” Foster said. “A few years ago, we only had one representative (on the DUD board) and had 5,000 meters. “We got it increased to three.”
Adcock replied that he did not feel that such monumental decisions should be made by non-elected officials.
“This to me sounds like when DeKalb Telephone Cooperative, a few years ago wanted to go public,” Adcock shared. “They are cramming something down people's throats that they don't want. I feel like if these people were elected by the people who have the taps, they would answer more to the people.”
“I agree with you in theory, but it’s moot,” Foster replied.
“Could we ask the state to approve that (change in the system)?” Adcock inquired.
“No, we can't, because they are not going to do it,” Foster said. “I think (County Attorney) Hilton (Conger) can tell you that the utility districts are very, very strong and they control what goes on in their districts. We have no say so over it.”
“Kind of like a dictatorship?” Adcock asked.
“They just have a strong lobby in the state legislature,” Conger interjected.
“I somewhat agree with you,” Foster said, “but it’s not going to happen"
“I just don't like the idea of this plant getting shoved down everybody's throat. They've already got everything set up. They know where the land is,” said Adcock.
“This has been going on for 10 years,” Foster said. “I know it started in 2002 when I first got here, it was going on. They have had public meetings and they have done everything they are supposed to do.”
“They don't listen to the people,” Adcock replied. “Alright, I just got my say in.”
“Okay,” replied Foster.
No further action was taken on the issue.
The proposed three-million-gallon-per-day plant is to be constructed near Holmes Creek Road in the Yolanda Hills area.
The intake will be on Center Hill Lake, the transmission line placed along Holmes Creek Road and distribution lines will be along Allen's Chapel, Game Ridge, Turner, South Tittsworth, and Big Rock Roads, and Wheeler Lane.
The new raw water intake, raw water transmission line, water treatment plant and distribution system improvements will be paid for with Rural Development funds.
The DUD will receive a $5 million loan and a grant of $1.25 million to fund construction of the plant. The loan is on a 40-year term at 2.75 percent interest.
The remaining $4.25 million required to complete the $10.5 million facility will be funded through a bond issue.
Members of the DUD board are Roger Turney, chairman, from Auburntown; Joe Foutch, Jimmy Womack, and Hugh Washer, all from DeKalb County, and Danny Bass from Smith County.
The DUD serves parts of a four-county area, DeKalb, Cannon, Smith, and Wilson.