With the announcement that it is going to cost close to $15 million for the City of Chipley to effectively correct the problems facing their treatment/disposal of sewage being handled through City’s wastewater treatment facility, Washington County Commissioners indicated their clear intention Thursday of coming on board to support the needs of the City.
by Kathy Foster
Chipley City Administrator Dan Miner and Ted Everett, with the Washington County Chamber of Commerce, met with commissioners at their Thursday workshop to discuss grant options and other funding possibilities available for the project.
Commissioners were told that while the ability for economic development along Hwy 77 south of I-10 in Chipley still exists, long term economic development will still hinge on the development of another wastewater treatment facility for Chipley.
“This will mean bigger and better for future development,” said Board Chair Tray Hawkins. While Everett agreed noting, “It’s all about addressing future needs and long term growth.”
Everyone concerned said they will work together for an interlocal agreement and expect more information to be available within the next 60 days.
Commissioners also met with Wausau Town Clerk Margaret Riley concerning the issue of code enforcement and animal control in that municipality. Wausau officials have met with commissioners several times in the past attempting to work out an agreement that would be beneficial to the Town, but said losing a staff member has slowed down the County. Riley was promised commissioners would have an agreement worked out with Wausau, Caryville, Vernon and Ebro within the next several months.
Other issues discussed during the workshop session included the following:
- Appointment of Rick Curr to the Tri-County Airport Authority Board.
- A presentation by Randy Shane concerning chip and seal asphalt uses. Commissioners were interested in seeing a demonstration of work currently going on in Jackson County, while County Engineer Cliff Knauer questioned how long the work actually lasts and pointed out that he feels any significant traffic causes problems on chip and seal roadways.
- Commissioners were told that repairs on Pioneer Road at Hard Labor Creek are currently estimated at almost $27,000, an increase from the last estimate.
- Commissioners were also told that work on Twin Pond Road will require aditional right-of-way and that right-of-way has to be obtained from property owners. Commissioners indicated they would set up a community meeting with the property owners.
- Commissioners were also told that a community meeting with property owners on Kent Road will be set up for the third week in September to give adjacent property owners an opportunity to look at the right-of-way situation on that roadway.
- Commissioners were informed that work on Orange Hill Highway is moving forward.
- Appointment of Commissioner Tray Hawkins to the County Insurance Consortium.
- Commissioners discussed the County hiring a coordinator for the Sunny Hills MSBU since the MSBU cannot have employees, but can reimburse the County for the position. This item will be on next Thursday’s Commission meeting agenda.
- Reporting on this week’s MSBU meeting, County Administrator Jeff Massey said the front fountain repair work is moving along, an electric information sign should be in place by Fall, road work is continuing, and lighting work is ongoing.