Minutes - 19890320 - Laserfiche WebLink

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~~~ zit =J Commissioner Willhoit stated that when the resolution was presented to the Board, he suggested at that time that a partnership be established because the County has a purpose •-~..~, in developing the reservoir. The County already is in the water business, but has no ' customers other than Orange Alamance and the Town of Hillsborough and don't receive any 1;, revenues from water at Lake Orange. The Gounty does have an interest in economic development in the Efland corridor and will need water for that purpose. For a long time the County has recognized that there would be a water shortage. Several working groups were formed to study the issue, identify reservoir sites and move forward to protect those sites. With regard to the repayment of the one million dollar bond issue, the Board has gone on record that this would be repaid by the beneficiaries of the new water supply. In answer to remarks made by Remus Smith referencing Orange Alamance, Chairman Carey stated .that Chase users outside of the watershed should not count on a longterm supply of water from Orange County. Any longterm commitment is adversely affecting the needs of the Orange County citizens and Carey stated opposition to that use. of water. Commissioner Willhoit noted that one alternative supply of water is a proposal that the County's engineering firm made three years ago which was the transfer of water from Mebane, Graham .and Burlington back this way. Commissioner Marshall agreed with the statements made by Commissioners Carey and Willhoit. With reference to the longterm recreation and environmental management for all citizens of Orange County, she stated that if they are not different from those at University Lake and Cane Creek, no special consideration would be needed. Mayor Cates stated that Mebane is presently sending as much water into Orange County as Orange Alamance is sending out of Orange County. They are supplying all the industry around the General Electric Plant. <.:~ Commissioner Willhoit stated that the issue is that Hillsborough has a low flaw and -~ are still exporting water. Water coming from Mebane to GE does not go aver the Cape Fear ridge line. The allocation from the Jordan was mentioned and Horace Johnson stated that an alternative to getting water from Lake Jordan would be to get the water from the Back Creek Reservoir - from Lake Michael. He clarified that the Town's request to convey the land the County owns at Seven Mile Creek would be in return for a reasonable amount of money. Chairman Carey stated that the Commissioners have a responsibility to the citizens both within and outside the town. This responsibility includes growth management, environmental protection and other interests. The only way to protect these interests and maintain our responsibility to the public is to be involved in this type of activity. We are already into the water and sewer business - in the sewer business because we own a line and in the water business because we own a lake. We have spent an inordinate amount of time passing ordinances to protect the water that the people in the Hillsborough system drink, yet do not receive any revenues for this service. The County will remain involved because of these reasons. The County does not want to get into the grater business any more than it already has. However, the County will not rule out any option which is available if the responsibility to the people represented justifies a need to act. Horace Johnson asked what restrictions the County would attach to the conveyance of