The future of Foxfire Village’s water system was on the table at a special Council Work Session on Thursday, April 11, with Moore County Public Works Director Randy Gould in attendance.
The Village’s Long Range Planning Committee has worked for the last two years researching and assessing the quantity and quality of the Village’s present and potential water supply, measured against future population growth, the cost of maintaining the system, and preparedness in case of a catastrophic occurrence.
Looking for more water
In 2007, Foxfire contracted with the Pittsboro-based engineering firm Hydrostructures, PA to conduct a Water Source Study. The study recommended that, with the Village’s high rate of growth at the time, it should should secure an alternative source to complement the system of wells that currently supplies Foxfire’s water. A follow up study conducted in 2008 recommended Moore County as that source.
The 2008 recession halted construction, slowing growth, and the recommendation was put on the back burner. The Village’s current water system works well and is economically viable. However, it does not have the capacity to meet future expected growth.
The Long Range Planning Committee met with Gould earlier in the year to explore whether Moore County would consider extending water to Foxfire. Gould created a model, factoring in availability of water, proximity of water lines and towers, and expense.
After considering all options, the Long Range Planning Committee recommended that the Village Council consider merging their water system into the Moore County system. Noting the complexity of the factors to be considered — and the need for public input — the Council scheduled the April 11 Work Session and invited Gould to attend.
Gould: County has ample water
At the work session Gould gave a presentation that encompassed both extending water to Foxfire Village and details about Moore County’s thirty year water plan. The County currently has adequate sources of water to meet its projected growth for the next thirty years. Planning for the unexpected, Moore is continuing to seek alternative sources of water.
“The reason I took the time to present those options, is that I want you to understand we have alternatives,” Gould said. “So you can have confidence that we have a plan in place.”
“The county is looking at taking on Foxfire Village plus other growth. You feel you will have enough current water and other sources to take on us?” asked Councilwoman Leslie Frusco.
Gould reassured Frusco, “I think we are solid for 30 years.” Moore County is currently considering increasing the amount of water it purchases from Harnett County. Harnett is in the process of expanding their water treatment facility.
“They are expecting to get approval this Spring for upgrading their system,” said Gould. “They want us to buy capacity in their plant, and they will provide us with three million gallons per day. As a partner in construction, they would sell us water at reduced rate.”
County would take on debt, connect systems
Gould proposed that the County would absorb the Foxfire Water Department’s outstanding debt of $400,000. In exchange, the County would take over the water tower and distribution system. The County would then extend lines down Foxfire Road to Foxfire Village. The county does not have an interest in taking ownership of the Village’s operating wells.
Foxfire residents would continue paying their current water rate, which is higher than the rates paid by Moore County water customers. If the County raised its rates, the rates in Foxfire would increase by the same percentage. Foxfire Villagers would pay their higher rates for twenty years, creating revenue that would cover the cost of extending County water lines to serve the Village.
Mayor Pro-Tem Steve Durham asked Gould when the County’s had last increased rates and if he knew of any future increases. Gould said that possible increases are being discussed and that he could not remember when the last rate increase was.
Details, details
Frusco pondered how best to bill Foxfire residents over the twenty-year period.
“Maybe from a structuring standpoint, it might be better to make the water rates what they are and then add a surcharge to Foxfire residents’ bills,” she said. “It might be a better way — more transparent way — to structure it.”
Frusco also asked if the Village would continue to have access to the land underneath the water tower. “The land is currently being used by public safety, for storage and for a yard waste service. Would we still be allowed to use that if you took over the water system?” Frusco asked.
Gould was amendable in considering Frusco requests and reminded her that this was just a proposal.
“These are all details that would have to be worked out,” Gould said.
Durham reined in the questions and pointed out that the Village’s own rates were not fixed.
“The people in Foxfire Village pay a certain rate right now,” he said. “If we had to put in a well, then their rates would go up. If we were to turn our water system over to Moore County right now, our rates would be the same until Moore County increased its water rates. When the loan is paid off, our rates will be the same as Moore County.”
Council members present at the meeting were Mick McCue, Steve Durham, and Leslie Frusco. Eleven residents attended, including Jon Sedlak, water superintendent for Foxfire Village.
