Minutes 01/12/1960 - Laserfiche WebLink

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~18 TUESDAY JANUARY 12. 1960 Upon advice that the City's consulting engineers, Wiley & Wilson, have approved the Hedgecock property--on which the City obtained a 60-day purchase option on November 21, 1959--as suitable for the location of the City's proposed sewage disposal plant, and upon being advised ~ City Manager Hirst that adequate access for mains and traffic will be made available, Council directed that the option be exercised and the property purchased in accordance with terms of the option agreement, funds for which purchase having been provided in the current budget. Council went on record as endorsing the proposed sewerage system improvements program and as supporting the forthcoming March 1st sewer bond referendum and, in addition, endorsed the following statement prepared by Councilman Wilson: To the citizens of Hartinsville: For the past few years you have heard a lot of discussion about our sewer system. Large parts of our present system were installed 35 to 40 years ago and since that time our population has increased over 500% and land area has increased by apnroximately 350%. There is no question about the need for expanded and improved sewer facilities. There are two major reasons why we should proceed at once with these improvements. First, they are badly needed; seoond, the State ~ter Control Board has ordered that we proceed immediately with a disposal plant to prevent raw sewage being put into Jones Creek, Mulberry Creek, and Smith River. We believe all will agree the need exists. Now, the important matter is the method of financing. The cost is expected to be $3,600,000. This amount is expected to build five major outfalls, 54 miles of sewer lines and a disposal plant. We believe that the sewer and water users should pay the bulk of this expense. vIe are, therefore, recommending that sewer rates to present sewer users be increased by 30 percent of the water rates and to those presently not connected to the system by 50% of the water rates.. The income from sewer charges, along with what has already been collected, will take care of the first two years of construction activity. Then it win be necessary to sell a portion of the bond issue for further construction. This work is expected to take seven years to complete, and will require the issuing of $2,300,000 in bonds. After work has been completed the charges will provide for maintaining and operating the system, for paying off the debt and for approximately $52,000 per year for major capital improvements as might be necessary during the 20 years the debt is being amortized. We invite a full discussion and suggestions of all our citizens. If you can think of a better and more economical way to finance this project please let us hear from you.