Tuesday, September 12, 2023–12:39 p.m.
-David Crowder, WRGA News-
The extension of sewer service to Chulio Hills was once again at the forefront during the public participation portion of Monday’s Rome City Commission meeting.
Those wanting sewer service say it was promised to them 40 years ago.
Three residents and two members of the clergy spoke, with some demanding a vote.
Rev. Kevin Brown of the Bryant Chapel Missionary Baptist Church suggested that Rome use some of the money received as part of settlements with carpet manufacturers and chemical companies regarding PFAS in Oostanaula River.
“The city has been awarded, by way of a lawsuit, between $100 million and $200 million,” he said. “So, cost is not the problem anymore. What we are expecting from you tonight is for each of you to vote in favor of providing us a service that every other taxpaying community in the City of Rome already has.”
Commissioner Craig McDaniel noted that the water and sewer fund is different than the city’s general fund.
“People pay property taxes, but that money does not go into the water and sewer fund,” he said. “Anything that we do comes out of the water and sewer enterprise fund. It doesn’t come out of the general fund. We don’t mix those funds.”
Commissioner Jim Bojo said that the water and sewer committee is working to get a better cost estimate for the city, which could be as much as $6 to $7 million dollars not counting tap fees and other costs that would have to be paid by each homeowner.
“We’ve talked about canvassing every homeowner down there,” he said. “Hopefully, we will get a more firm price. I do know that the tap fee is $1,800, but how far your house sits from the road will determine how much the line is going to cost going from the sewer to the home. That could be upwards of $3,000 to $5,000.”
Bishop Pete Smith responded.
“I would think you would even consider waving the connection fees,” he said. “You are using that as an obstacle to block them from wanting to participate. Why can’t you write that off? The money is there.”
Commissioner Bonny Askew made a motion directing the city manager to find the funds for the sewer extension.
He and Mark Cochran were the only commissioners to vote “yes.” Commissioner Bill Collins abstained and Commissioner Elaina Beeman recused herself because she owns property in the subdivision.