An interesting fact surfaced a few weeks ago that Ridgeview News has been attempting to track down the truth of the matter on since hearing it. A FOIA request to the Town of Grantsville went unanswered, but through other means of information retrieval, It appears we were told incorrectly the amount of bonds owed by the Town of Grantsville.
In November and December the Calhoun County Commission began making the monthly water bond payments for each of the water entities of the Town of Grantsville, Mt. Zion PSD and the Pleasant Hill PSD. Several thousands of dollars was paid each month, with the intention of paying the entire balance off, so that the water companies could be free and clear from major debts and allowing the consolidation to proceed without delay. The amount for which the Commissioners were told that the combined total for all three water company water bonds was $317,471.
This would be added to the already contributed amount of over $2 Million dollars from ARPA funding that was given to them to purchase vehicles, equipment and property for the Consolidated organization.
However, it was discovered that the Town of Grantsville was mistaken on how much water bond debt they reported to the County, they in actuality owe 2.7 Million dollars. (Still waiting the confirmation from the USDA). The fiasco of this consolidation continues to boggle the minds of those following along with the drama.
Friday’s meeting of the three water companies to hire a Consolidation Manager, although not entirely uncontested, met with a unanimous vote for current Grantsville Water Operator, Chad Drennen. Only time will tell if the consolidation efforts will be able to complete successfully. The Consolidation board meets Wednesday evening at 5 p.m.. to determine the salary and benefit package they’ll offer Mr. Drennen.
