Summit County Council unanimously approves 10‑year franchise agreement with High Valley Water Company

Summit County Council members voted unanimously on July 5 to approve a standard 10‑year franchise agreement with High Valley Water Company, the small mutual nonprofit that serves Highland Estates.

The County’s presenter said the franchise uses the standard template and has been reviewed by the attorney's office. Karen Sawyer, manager of High Valley Water, told the council the utility has a $4.1 million loan and grant package to replace much of its conveyance infrastructure and that it purchases bulk water from Mountain Regional. Council members asked about the grant breakdown, what upgrades are planned (mains and laterals), and whether the company has storage; Sawyer said the system has a roughly 500,000‑gallon tank and the bulk of treated water is purchased from Mountain Regional.

Motion to approve the franchise was offered by Councilmember Tanya, seconded by Councilmember Molina, and carried unanimously. No council member recorded a dissenting vote.