Sylva asks TWSA to help fund sewer project

By Rose Hooper

Seven years ago when the town of Sylva annexed the Moody Bottom property, leaders agreed to extend services to the area, including sewer service. While the town had provided water and sewer services to its residents in the past, municipalities and the county turned that business over to the newly-established TWSA in 1992.

Sylva Town Manager Richard McHargue told the TWSA board at its Feb. 18 meeting that failing septic systems and possible legal action has prompted the town to put this project on the fast track.

"We made a commitment to the citizens; we need to follow through with that commitment," said McHargue, who requested TWSA fund half the project.

While water is being provided to the area, the sewer extension would include 21 residents on Allens Branch, 18 on Mitchell Road and 30 on Mills Branch, for a total of 69 new TWSA customers, McHargue said. The estimated cost of the project is $525,000.

"If the town pays half and TWSA pays half, then the taxpayers won't have to foot the bill," McHargue said. "We have some monies in capital reserves, and we could use UDAG funds."

The transfer agreement conveying water and sewer systems from the towns and county to TWSA in 1992 did not include a provision calling for TWSA to fund new construction not included in its capital improvement plan, TWSA attorney Raymond Large said. When a municipality initiates new construction, that body is responsible for funding it, Large told McHargue.

Responding to a question from TWSA board member Keith Ward about the project being part of the authority's 20-year plan, retired director Jerry King said, "I don't believe it is."

Sylva Mayor Brenda Oliver said on several occasions when Phil Haire was town attorney he had appeared before TWSA requesting funding support for the Moody Bottom project.

TWSA board member Brad Moses asked if any action had been taken on those requests, and Large, legal counsel to the authority since its inception, said he did not think so.

Moses then made a motion, which was approved, to table the issue until back minutes could be reviewed.

"I wasn't on the board back then," said TWSA member Bobby Beck, "but I would like to see us work this out."

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