Dear Editor,
I found the report on the Putnam County Commission meeting somewhat incomplete ( Eatonton Messenger, Feb. 8, 2024).
First some corrections. The request for a letter of “concurrence” by Mr. McAllister was for a property, Parcel 104-032, located on Collis Road, not Scott Road. Further, the proposed developer is Oconee Overlook, LLC, not Shaifer Oconee, LLC.
Now for the rest of the story.
On December 20, 2023, the commissioners received an email request to “sign” a letter stating that we concur with the formation of a privately owned Public Water System.
I refused to sign the letter, contending that such an action would be a violation of the Open Meetings Act. Subsequently, a modified version of the letter requiring only a majority vote of the Board and the chairman’s signature was placed on the agenda of the February 2, 2024, commission meeting.
The discussion at the commission meeting left me with more questions than answers. Who will own the Public Water System? The letter is addressed to Mrs.
Lauren Sprayberry (a private citizen) – will Mrs. Sprayberry be the owner? Who will be the licensed operator for the system? Privately owned water systems have had a rather “checkered” history in Putnam County.
Mr. McAllister contended that he needed the letter to drill a test well. On information (O.C.G.A. 12-5-131.1) and belief, board approval is not required to drill a test well. Oconee Overlook, LLC began its application for a water system with EPD in June 2023. Why have they not drilled a test well yet? Surely a test well would show whether the water supply is adequate for the project, including fire suppression.
What is the project?
According to Mr. McAllister, this is to be “a Marriott-branded” hotel. But what level of Marriott? Is this a Ritz-Carlton or more like a Fairfield? What are Marriott’s requirements for a water system? EPD requires, as part of the preliminary application, a detailed description of the project including the method for the disposal of wastewater. I have yet to see the plan.
In short, I have too many unanswered questions to “concur” with the formation of a privately owned Public Water System for an ill-defined project.
Stephen Hersey, District 3 Commissioner