First Impressions of Consolidation Study

The long awaited Systems Consolidation Study from the Carl Vinson Institute has been returned.

According to the Executive Summary of the study, a consolidated water and sewer system is feasible; but there are stipulations presented, such as a consensus regarding service arrangements being reached by all governments involved and a new model of governance over the water and sewer system being formed.

Clayton Mayor David Phillips said that he is in favor of consolidation if it is beneficial for all parties involved, especially the customers, but says there is a problem with some of the figures present in the study.

“I was disappointed in the study stating that the general revenue has been operating the water and sewer, which it hadn’t been doing in the past 2 or 3 years,” said Phillips. “It’s been operating on its own, and finally making money.”

Chairman of the Rabun County Commission and a member of the Clayton Rabun County Water and Sewer Authority Butch Darnell said, and Phillips agreed, that the continuation of the SPLOST is important not only to the possibility of consolidation, but many other important needs.

“Not only will that SPLOST affect just water and sewer, you’ve got to have money for bridges and roads, you’ve got to money for recreation, probably the Senior Center, and there’ll be several fire department projects, that’s one of the main ones.”

In March, citizens will have the opportunity to vote on whether or not to continue the one cent sales tax.