Thursday, August 2, 2023–5:18 p.m.
-David Crowder, WRGA News-
Since failing to make the final list of projects to be included in a special purpose, local option sales tax referendum this November, the extension of sewer service to the Chulio Hills neighborhood has been referred back to the Rome Water and Sewer Committee.
During Thursday’s committee meeting, Rome Water and Sewer Services Director Mike Hackett recapped the project details, which include approximately 9,500 feet of 8-inch pipe, 5,000 feet for service laterals, and approximately 50 manholes. It would take about a year and a half to complete. The tie-in would be at the bypass and Highway 411. The initial cost was believed to be around $3.2 million. However, Hackett told the committee he would not be surprised if that cost hasn’t doubled since that original number was established.
“I think it’s going to be higher, just because of some of the numbers we have seen,” he said. “I’ll give you an example; we had talked about the Burwell Creek sewer project behind Rome High School and Celanese. We had estimated between $4 million and $5 million. Our engineer had said anything over $6 million would be gouging. We got two bids – one was $12.2 million and the other was $13.3 million. Sewer has just gone crazy.”
Residents in the neighborhood have been lobbying for sewer service, which they say was promised by the city nearly 40 years ago. There was hope that it would be included in the SPLOST. During the July 24 Rome City Commission meeting, an intergovernmental agreement regarding the upcoming SPLOST barely passed by a 5 to 4 vote with Mayor Sundai Stevenson having to cast the tie-breaking vote. Commissioners Bill Collins, Bonny Askew, and Elaina Beemam specifically mentioned the Chulio Hills project not being included. City Manager Sammy Rich said during that meeting the issue would go back to the water and sewer committee in an attempt to find a way to get it done.
The extension would serve 40 accounts – 28 city customers and 12 county customers. The cost per account is estimated at $81,250, which does not include tap fees or private plumbing that would be paid for by the customer. That number is also based on all 40 accounts participating.
“There have been some cases long ago on a smaller scale where sewer was brought in and we really didn’t get the participation,” Hackett said. “So the infrastructure just sits there, unusable. I just wonder if you can really get all 40 accounts committed to paying the tap, turning their plumbing, and then be willing to take on a monthly bill. I just don’t know if you can get every account out there to buy into that.”
At one time, the city would run sewer for developments, but according to Hackett, that became unfeasible. In the early 2000s that practice was halted. Water and sewer is an enterprise fund, which means it is not supported by property taxes.
The water and sewer committee took no action Thursday but is expected to continue discussions.