LETTER: Funding a waterline to Harrison is not justified

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Thursday, July 31. 2008

Comments (19)

Dear Editor:

Following recent local elections, and with the prospect of the changes in store for the board of commissioners (BOC), questions arise as to what the near future will hold for the citizens of Madison County. The support given by the BOC to the recent decision by the Industrial Development Authority (IDA) to apply for a loan/grant to fund a water pipeline from Franklin County into Madison County’s District 2 leaves one pondering the spending precedent that is being set for the next administration.

Although applauded by as many as six Harrison community residents, the $2.3 million project lacks sufficient justification for such a large expenditure and draws into question the true intentions of the project’s advocates. The stated purposes of the pipeline are to provide local poultry farmers and the Harrison Volunteer Fire Department with a larger water supply. This, however, is where the problem of valid justification arises. Poultry farmers are required by ordinance to establish a water source prior to the construction of chicken houses. In other words, local poultry farmers already have approved sources of water such as individual wells, making a pipeline unnecessary for the operation of their chicken houses.

Harrison Community resident Larry Cox feels the chicken farmers are nevertheless “in a bad way” due to the dryness of the area. Although he does not have chicken houses on the property through which the proposed line will run, Cox had been unsuccessful in extracting sufficient water pressure from wells for his Ginn Hill home, which was constructed to be the largest in the county. Furthermore, several community chicken house owners have acknowledged that their water supply is and has been sufficient, and that the pipeline seems unnecessary. The article states that the IDA recently approved dramatic increases in both meter deposits ($100 to $650) and price per 1,000 gallons ($5.50 to $9) for water in order to increase bulk sales. These increases, coupled with undoubtedly high tapping fees make it highly improbable to assume that other citizens of the Harrison community would utilize the water line at such high costs when they already have working wells.

Harrison community volunteer fire chief Wayne Smith feels the added water flow would benefit the area by improving the department’s Insurance Service Office (ISO) rating. While its ISO rating has much to do with its volunteer status, the Harrison Fire Department does have a cooperative agreement with the Franklin County Fire Department and can request their service at any time, a resource that the Harrison Fire Department has continually been reluctant, almost refusing to use. Notwithstanding, the volunteer fire department fills its trucks with local water from onsite locations (much like the two ponds that sit directly adjacent to Mr. Wayne Smith’s own chicken houses), following an incident so as to be prepared for the next call.

District 2 commissioner John Pethel, Sr. is in support of the action. Despite promises to reduce spending and focus on cutting taxes if re-elected, he is prepared to ask taxpayers to pay $1.6 million, provided costs remain at or below the estimate, in order to fund the project, which will span almost 10 miles in completing the entire loop back to Franklin County. This seems a rocky beginning to a term promising the elimination of unnecessary spending. As a concerned citizen, I ask this question: whom does this project truly benefit? It has been shown that there are no exponential benefits, if any at all, to either poultry farmers and/or the Harrison Volunteer Fire Department. Mr. Larry Cox states the water is much needed and has been so for some time, so much so that “it is scary up there.” But is this the collective voice of poultry farmers in the Harrison community, or a homeowner who wants more water pressure for his exceptionally large house? My second question is this: Is it the job of a commissioner to represent with his voice his entire constituency or that of his strongest contributors?

Plainly put, this project is asking the citizens of Madison County to fund a water pipeline to a wealthy private homeowner, using poultry farmers and a volunteer fire department as justification. As citizens, it is necessary to read between the lines and as voters, necessary to prevent proposals that clearly benefit a select few at the cost of the whole.

Food for thought.

Sincerely,

Miguel Trujillo

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#1 Bob Fowler, Harrison community on 07/31/08 at 03:47 PM [Reply]

Mr. Trujillo's comments are puzzling and I am sure politically motivated. In as much as he lives in the Harrison community.
The District 2 Commissioner,Mr. Pethel has no voice in the matter at all.
The truth of the matter is that Mr. Trujillo and every citizen living in the Harrison community would benefit from the public water in the most direct way possible-in their pocketbooks.(lower ISO rating).
Sooner or later public water will be a reality for Harrison. Much later has been the norm in the past.Hopefully sooner just this one time for Harrison.

#2 Anonymous on 08/01/08 at 06:43 AM [Reply]

Who would not want water coming to their neighborhood??? In this time of severe drought you would think it would be most welcome. You may have a good well, but you never know when it will go dry. I wish water were coming to my home. If you are worried about tap on fees, then don't sign up. The ISO rating will benefit all the residents on their home insurance premiums. THis was a IDA decision and did not involve Mr. Pethel. I agree with Mr. Fowler this is trully a political vendetta against Mr. Pethel rather than a water issue.

#3 Anonymous on 08/01/08 at 07:52 AM [Reply]

So how will the county's TAXPAYERS in other areas besides Harrison benefit. Looks like Pethel is talking out of the other side of his mouth now, trying to get re-elected

#3.1 Larry Cox on 08/01/08 at 02:26 PM [Reply]

So you know who I am. I'm the guy in the big house on the hill also known as the highest and driest place in the county. Let me see if I can help educate you on this water question. Mr. Pethel had nothing to do with water possibly coming to the Harrison community. The Fire Chief and I went before the IDA and asked. As for paying for the water lines it will not cost the taxpayers of Madison County one red cent! The money is provided by the state at no interest for 20 years and a large portion is a grant which requires NO repayment. Therefore, the consumer is the one repaying the loan NOT the taxpayer. It is very obvious that all of this is political in nature. Why would you not want public water in our community? Do you need help in understanding that you insurance will be lowered after the ISO review? As for the rest of the county they should do like we did....Go ask for water.

#3.2 Anonymous on 08/01/08 at 03:29 PM [Reply]

I think you need to realize that water has been added to other towns,subdivisions and etc. all over Madison in the past, which cost all taxpayers, including Harrison taxpayers. But instead of taking a narrow minded point of view,
the citizens of Harrison paid their fair share.
Now it's Harrisons turn to get some benefits of the tax dollars. Politics does not come into play on this. Just a desperate need for a life sustaining nourishment in the form of water.

#3.3 Carlene Fowler on 08/02/08 at 10:23 AM [Reply]

Mr. Pethel usually talks out of "both" sides of his mouth!! He is not about saving the taxpayers money, he's all about who can sue, reprimand and investigate! He has followed the same pattern since he was in office. He seems to pat himself on the back for whatever happens. It takes "3" people, one man cannot accomplishment all he has taken credit for alone! Please go to the polls on August 5 and vote "Johnny Fitzpatrick". Mr Fitzpatrick was in the past and always will be honest and fair and above all he is a christian man who does not have a personal agenda. He will not "go looking" for a reason to spend the taxpayers money on legal fees and he will be patient if there are state funds available for roads. He is for the people's best interest and will do the right thing.

#3.3.1 Anonymous on 08/04/08 at 03:19 PM [Reply]

We haven't heard any additional negative comments from Mr. Trujillo. I hope he has been educated on the FACTS regarding water to the Harrison Community and is in agreement with the benefits all of us will have if we so desire.Life in Madison County is wonderful & will be even better when we have an ample supply of water for our daily lives and livelihood. Mr. Trujillo, I sincerely hope that you will attend the meeting at the fire department when discussions begin on the project. Several members of the IDA will be in attendance to answer and/or clarify any concerns you may have. The facts stated on these comments are TRUE and comes directly from the IDA board. So, be a MAN and attend the meetings. Your response would be greatly appreciated.

#4 Anonymous on 08/01/08 at 05:24 PM [Reply]

Citizens, please allow me to give you the FACTS & not just political words being used against John Pethel. This water to Harrison WILL NOT cost the taxpayers one RED CENT. The funds for this project are as follows: $766,000 is a grant (which means the money never has to be repaid). The $1.5 million is a loan to the IDA with no interest.These funds are part of the water emergency grant funds the State of Georgia has provided to GEFA for projects and needs such as in the Harrison community. Citizens in other areas of Madison County will not benefit from this,however,the Harrison Community has never benefited from any improvements in other areas but we still pay our taxes to support their projects. Once again, these funds are not from the taxpayers of Madison County but from the State of Georgia. Mr. Trujillo,your comments seem to be well written,however, you should get all the TRUE facts before making a comment.All citizens in the Harrison community will benefit by lower homeowners' insurance and have water if our wells should go dry. The only fees the homeowners will pay is for connection to the main line and their monthly water usage. I feel that all Harrison County citizens, as well as myself, welcome lower insurance premiums and water when needed. Once again, please be reassured that this project is not costing our taxpayers any money at all. Let's all do our best to be informed and know the FACTS before we comment on issues. A little research goes a long way. Thanks.

#5 Anonymous on 08/02/08 at 04:27 AM [Reply]

Er, taxpayers of Madison County are also taxpayers of the state of Georgia, so, actually the taxpayers ARE footing the bill.

#5.1 Larry Cox on 08/02/08 at 08:06 PM [Reply]

That's the answer I expected. So wouldn't you think we would want some of OUR money coming back to OUR community? I guess not from your comments and this leads me to believe that you would be content on letting our tax money go to some other county?

#5.2 Anonymous on 08/02/08 at 10:11 PM [Reply]

Yes, we all are taxpayers TO the State of Georgia. However, every citizen in the State pays Georgia taxes and a portion goes to this fund in order to provide projects for the citizens.I would much rather see some of these funds for our community rather than it go to another area when Harrison is in desperate need!! There is no additional tax for us...it has already been paid through our GA income taxes along with the taxes from every citizen in the State of Georgia.Seems like a good deal to me. The entire State of Georgia citizens are helping fund this project and in turn Madison County citizens have helped fund many projects throughout the State by paying our GA Income taxes. NOW..does this clarify the situation somewhat better? I hope so. Remember we ALL are taxpayers and this project will be some of our share of the GA taxes we pay.

#6 Anonymous on 08/03/08 at 01:41 PM [Reply]

Why would anyone in the Harrison community disagree with having a water line laid? In case you haven't noticed, there's a drought going on, why would we not want more water? We're already paying for a water line on the other side of the county - water that we never even see a drop of. If the whole is already paying for water for a select few, why shouldn't the rest of us get some too? This water line will help. Period.

#7 A. Wayne Smith, Harrison Fire Chief on 08/03/08 at 01:45 PM [Reply]

Water is JUSTIFIED by the Fire Chief of Harrison Volunteer Fire Department.

I am A. Wayne Smith, fire chief of the Harrison Volunteer Fire Department. I am writing this response in regard to a letter from a citizen of the community on the water issue for Harrison Community. First let me tell you that the IDA (Industrial Development Authourity) has only made an application for a grant of 2.3 millon dollars for constructing a water system in the Harrison Community. We will not know if the grant will be granted by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) until the end of August. If the grant money is given, the construction of this line will be in three phases.

There will be a community meeting at the fire department on how the first phase of construction will be implemented, and then followed by the second and third. The water line will have hydrants every 1000 feet apart so it will put most homes within range of accessible water. With this water line in place, your ISO (Insurance Services Offices) classification will be that of the fire department. The fire department's class rating is a ISO 9, which is the rating that most rural fire department's possess. In order to lower our class rating without installing hydrants, we will need 6 or more dry hydrants. The survey that I have conducted is not our best way to get water . Most of the ponds in our area are located away from the road, behind someone's home or too low to be used to supply the dry hydrants. The fire department has only one dry hydrant, located in a pond on the Freedom Church Road Ext., and due to the constuction of a poultry house we need to move it for any future use.

A lower ISO rating is achieveable by being a volunteer fire department. In Madison County all the fire departments are of volunteer status. Some departments possess an ISO Class of 4. We would like to lower our ISO rating as much as possible. To better protect property and lives, a water line with installed hydrants will be needed. In the aforementioned letter, the citizen stated that we were reluctant to, or refused to, use the Royston Volunteer Fire Department as a supplement to our manpower and water supply. They are mistaken; we have depended on them when needed and they have depended on us. They also stated that we fill our truck with pond water. They are mistaken again. We have always filled our trucks in the city of Royston, as do several fire departments in Hart County.

A volunteer firefighter has a heart of gold. They are on call 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They will respond with no pay involved, at their expense. They only wish to help thier neighbors and aid their community. They receive nearly all of the same training as a paid fireman. I agree that we do not have large subdivisions or high-rise buildings to worry about, and am thankful that we live in a small rural area, but the fact of the matter is, we need this water line.

In poultry farming, we rely on drilled wells. I alone have 5 wells at my farm. At first, when the wells were drilled, I only had one well out of three that ran at about 15 GPM (Gallons Per Minute). This well has depleted its flow and is no longer used for the farm. I have drilled two more wells in the last five years, one runs at 12 GPM and the other runs at 8 GPM. Because of the high demand time placed on the 8 GPM well, and the effects of the drought, the well has slowed to a near unservicable amount. These two wells alone have cost me over $25,000, both being 500 feet deep. So, I will gladly welcome a water system to the community, as will every other poultry farmer. Today, a driller will drill you a well for about $10.00 a foot. After drilling you have to supply wires, pipes, and a plumbing structure. A city tap would be the most logical choice for the farmers, as water will be guaranteed. A great burden would be lifted from the farmers and the community if this water line were to be installed.

I hope and pray that this water line will be granted to the community. I support the IDA wholeheartedly, and sincerely hope the citizens of Harrison will do the same.

A. Wayne Smith, Harrison Volunteer Fire Chief,
Poultry Farmer, and concerned Harrison Community Citizen.

#8 Susan Smith on 08/04/08 at 09:12 AM [Reply]

Water to Harrison would be a blessing. I can't understand
why anyone would not want a good water supply to the
fire department in their community. It could mean the
difference between life and death during a fire. To be
able to fill our trucks from a fire hydrant at our
fire dept [which is centrally located in our community]
would mean not having to go out of our district to
fill our truck during a fire. It only makes sense.

Poultry farmers do have a water supply before
they build poultry houses, but we are not able to
control the water in these wells. They go dry just
like anyone else's! To lose a water supple during
a flock of chickens [especially breeder hens] could
for some farmers cause them to lose their farm, as
we keep our flock 45 weeks compared to 6-8 weeks for
broilers! Alot of wells in Harrison are full of
Iron and other minerals, which causes the water to
look like mud. The only way to use this water is
to install a filter system which can be costly.
Without the filters it can cause problems with
the chickens, not to mention washing white clothes
is a challenge.

As for the cost of the water line, we are already
supporting the IDA and water lines are going in on the
other side of the county. It doesn't matter if the
person needing water has a large house or a small house
or poultry houses or cattle! It doesn't even matter what
side of the county you live on, the need is the
same.

As for this being political, BOTH candidates offered
to help in any way they can and were told it is NOT
a political issue, the IDA is in charge. No money
will be coming out of county funds.

For me during this time of drought a water supply from
Franklin County would be the answer to a lot of prayers,
some not even said yet....
Will your well or mine be the next to go dry?

#9 James Bruce, Harrison Volunteer efighter on 08/04/08 at 11:03 AM [Reply]

We are already paying for the IDA and it is being
used on the other side of the county for water lines.
Why can't we have the same privilege for our fire
department and neighbors?
It would benefit the fire department on fighting
fires.
We do use Royston to fill our fire trucks and have
to go out of our district.

#10 James Bruce, Harrison Volunteer Firefighter on 08/04/08 at 11:10 AM [Reply]

We are already paying the IDA tax anyway to pay for
the water systems on the other side of the county.
Why shouldn't we benefit from the water system also.
We donot fill our fire trucks from the fish ponds, we
have to go to Royston, out of our district.
All of our dry hydrants are dry due to the drought.
Our neighbors and fire department will be glad to
get the water.

#11 Billy Parham Fire Chief City of Royston on 08/04/08 at 12:11 PM [Reply]

In reponse to what has be said about Harrison fire Department not wanting to utilize Royston fire Dept.,
we have always worked close together. When we need
them they are always there and the same goes for us.
And as for dryhydrants in a drout like we are in now
they are almost useless.Having a public water system
would greatly help as far as fire protection for this area.

#12 ANONYMOUS on 08/06/08 at 09:11 AM [Reply]

EVERY FIRE DEPT. IN MADISON COUNTY IS 100% VOLUNTEER. THIS MEANS FIRE PERSONEL GET AN ALERT VIA PAGER,THEY MUST STOP WHAT THERE DOING AND THEN GO TO THE FIRE STATION TO GET A TRUCK AND THEN RESPOND TO THE SCENE. WE DONT HAVE A FIRE STATION IN THE COUNTY THAT HAS FIREMEN THERE 24-7, SO IT LOOKS LIKE A WATER SYSTEM THAT WILL CUT DOWN THE TIME THAT IT TAKES TO ESTABLISH A SUFFICENT WATER FLOW AND POSSIBLY CUT DOWN TIME TO THE POINT THAT IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE IN WHETHER LIFE OR PROPERTY IS SAVED OR DESTROYED WOULD BE WELCOMED BY ALL.

#12.1 Joan on 08/07/08 at 08:46 PM [Reply]

Very well said.Hopefully you can spread the word on how much this system will benefit all of the Harrison community if they so desire to hook up to the line.The most important benefit is our Fire Dept. as you stated and lower homeowners insurance.This is a win, win situation.Thanks for your comments.

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LETTER: Funding a waterline to Harrison is not justified

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LETTER: Funding a waterline to Harrison is not justified

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