Heard County Water Authority details upgrades; staff flags $73,000 outstanding invoice

Laurie Cook, executive director of the Heard County Water Authority, updated the Board Jan. 24 on system improvements, recent grant applications and a phased plan for upgrades. Cook introduced Chad Sike of Carter & Sloope, who presented engineering findings and said a water tank for the Corinth area is anticipated after city waterline updates.

Cook said the Water Authority plans to minimize debt while pursuing upgrades and listed recent grant activity. Finance/project staffer Kevin Hamby confirmed the SPLOST budget adopted for 2017 includes a $500,000 allocation to the Authority for system improvements. Hamby told commissioners the county can pay invoices the Water Authority brings forward; Cook said she has an outstanding invoice for $73,000 for current improvements.

No formal motion to immediately disburse SPLOST funds for the outstanding invoice was recorded; Hamby's statement described the county's ability to pay invoices if presented. The Board's approval of the 2017 SPLOST projects list and budget establishes the $500,000 allocation for the Authority and begins the administrative process for project funding.

Chairman Lee Boone thanked Cook and consultant Chad Sike for their presentation.