Ila leaders are in the process of finalizing an amended agreement for a back up well site for the city’s water system.
The council met with resident and former mayor, William Smith, again Monday night to discuss leasing a half-acre of land for an additional well site.
Last month, Smith offered some of his property for a 35-year lease at $1 per year so that the city can have a secured site for an additional water source.
But councilman Nathaniel Hobbs told the council that he had some reservations about the proposal.
Hobbs said he would hate to see the city invest in a well that is on leased property, though he added that Smith’s offer was a generous one.
“I just don’t think that’s a road we need to go down,” Hobbs said.
Smith agreed to amend the agreement to a 50-year lease with Ila having the option to buy the property should it be put up for sale. The city will also have the option to renew the lease for another 50 years at $1 per year.
“I just want the city to have water,” Smith said. The council thanked him for his gracious offer.
City attorney Pat Graham will amend the lease and return it to city clerk Susan Steed for signatures.
The next step will be for the city to select a potential well-site.
In other matters, councilwoman Peggy Freeman took issue with a letter read to the council last month about dirt left on King Street during Harrison and Harrison’s water line construction.
Freeman pointed out that the letter was “anonymous” and that she had spoken with the residents of King Street who were pleased with the project and had no complaints about the construction site.
“It was not a messy construction site at all,” Freeman said.
In another matter, Steed told the council that the city had received no SPLOST funds for the month because county clerk Morris Fortson was terminated. She said she had contacted the county government offices about the oversight.
The council agreed to purchase a hammer drill at a cost of $419 for the water department.
The council also agreed to call Marc Perry to replace a broken fire hydrant on Hwy. 98. Mayor Coile said the hydrant was apparently struck by a vehicle.
Council members voted to give Steed a $500 Christmas bonus.
