Newberry County Council Postpones Wastewater Treatment Plant Ordinance Amid Community Concerns

Newberry County Takes a Step Back for Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements

Newberry, SC – In a recent meeting that engaged both local leaders and community members, the Newberry County Council has decided to postpone the third reading of an ordinance concerning an intergovernmental agreement with the Newberry County Water and Sewer Authority (NCWSA). This decision was made on the heels of a public hearing where residents voiced their opinions and concerns, prompting council members to take a closer look before moving ahead. The next meeting is set for November 6, giving the Council time to revise the ordinance based on community feedback.

The Project at a Glance

At the heart of the discussion is a significant upgrade slated for the Cannon’s Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, which comes with an eye-popping price tag of $5,154,560. This endeavor is part of a broader initiative, which includes 12 capital projects funded through a Capital Project Sales Tax (CPST) referendum passed in 2022. Despite the project’s intentions remaining unchanged, revenue forecasts and rising costs led to an unexpected twist— the project’s budget has escalated by more than $4 million, primarily due to inflation and increased site work costs.

Community Voices Matter

During the public hearing, NCWSA Manager Brent Richardson made it clear that the revisions to the estimated costs are not merely numbers on paper but reflections of real-world financial challenges. “The original estimate was nearly half of what it is now,” remarked Councilman Less Hipp, expressing concerns over the implications of rapidly increasing expenses. He further noted that moving forward without a thorough examination could jeopardize not only this project but others as well that fall under the CPST umbrella.

Finding Common Ground

A collaborative spirit seems to be blossoming as Councilman Hipp proposed a creative solution. He suggested that the Council consider initially funding half of the project cost, with plans for further financial reassessment during the progress of other projects funded through CPST. This approach aims to balance fiscal responsibility while still advancing the improvements to the wastewater treatment facility.

Richardson, among others, emphasized that these upgrades would benefit a wide range of local stakeholders, including schools, churches, and various communities across Newberry County. Specifically, areas like the School District of Newberry County, the Bush River Community, and the Town of Prosperity would all stand to gain from enhanced wastewater services.

Next Steps for Council

Chairman Todd Johnson reinforced the need for careful oversight, proposing that an agreement be structured to safeguard the remaining CPST projects. The Council showed consensus in taking additional time to analyze the ordinance and consult with both the Board and engineering teams responsible for the project, ensuring that they make an informed decision.

Commitment to Transparency

“We need to show the public we’re being good stewards of their money,” Hipp said, highlighting a crucial aspect of their role. Councils across the nation face increasing scrutiny on how they manage public funds, and this scenario in Newberry County is no exception. As leaders work to strike the right balance between necessary infrastructure improvements and responsible budgeting, community input will continue to play a pivotal role.

In the coming weeks, both the Council and the NCWSA hope to clarify the financial pathway forward and ensure that the residents of Newberry County feel informed and engaged as critical decisions are made. With this community-centered approach, they aim to not only enhance their wastewater facilities but also strengthen the bond of trust with their constituents.