Franklin BOC Says No to Acquiring Carnesville Water/Sewer System

Franklin County Commissioners have decided not to pursue the purchase of the Carnesville Water and Sewer System.

In August, the Board announced there would be no acquisition decision until after the first of the year.

However, at Monday night’s regular meeting, Board Chair Jeff Jacques said after a thorough research of the system, the Board does not believe the acquisition is worth pursuing.

Last year, Carnesville City Mayor Harris Little approached Franklin County about purchasing its water/sewer system but in January Commission Chair Jeff Jacques said no decision would be made until a long list of questions were answered by Carnesville first.

Under the terms of the deal proposed by the City of Carnesville, the County would purchase the water and sewer system for $900,000 but forgive the $200,000 the town owes to the County.

In June, the Board heard from County Engineer John Phillips who hired an outside engineering firm to inspect the water/sewer system.

He said the inspectors determined that it would cost the County at least $500,000 to bring the Carnesville system up to standard.

Issues found he said included the need to upgrade and improve the sewer system and water lines, as well as replace all of the water meters.

Another big issue for Commissioners is the amount of money Carnesville still owes the County.

All of the Commissioners said that even if they agreed to purchase the Carnesville water/sewer system, they would not agree to forgive the $200,000 loan that Carnesville has not repaid.