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# 016 <br /> Mayor Johnson indicated that his Board has agreed that the Durham <br /> pipeline is the solution that they would most like to pursue. This <br /> solution would allow Hillsborough to grow. It would also allow <br /> Hillsborough to loop those lines with existing Hillsborough lines and <br /> Hillsborough could then increase the number of their customers so that <br /> they could afford to operate a reservoir. <br /> Town Commissioner Lorenz indicated that the Hillsborough Board also <br /> looked at the possibility of renewing the agreement they already have <br /> with OWASA. Each of the options has merits. However, the Durham <br /> pipeline seems to have advantages that the other options do not. The <br /> Board has not taken a final vote on it. The short term solutions they <br /> are considering are ( 1 ) the extension of the agreement with OWASA, <br /> ( 2 ) the Durham pipeline, and ( 3) a possible agreement with Mebane and <br /> Graham. <br /> Town Commissioner Rose indicated that the Town Board hoped to be able <br /> to give Hillsborough alternatives . The Board is currently considering <br /> using all three of the options listed above. The pipeline would allow <br /> Hillsborough 2 million gallons of water daily . It would also allow <br /> Hillsborough to hook up the new proposed school at New Hope . He <br /> mentioned that in 1988 the citizens of Hillsborough voted for the Durham <br /> pipeline. He strongly feels that this pipeline needs to be finished <br /> because the citizens voted for it. <br /> Town Commissioner Smith pointed out that the Durham pipeline is not <br /> going to pay for itself. Even if it were used 90 days a year, they <br /> would not use enough water to pay the expenses . He felt that this <br /> million dollars should be put into a reservoir. He also indicated that <br /> the Town of Hillsborough could reach agreement with OWASA to own part of <br /> the 60" line and use that line to connect the new school and loop the <br /> lines. A small reservoir could be built now and another one built <br /> later. <br /> Commissioner Willhoit stated that the water supply needs for central <br /> Orange have been discussed for a long time. The OWASA pipeline is a <br /> short range solution . He indicated that he understood the reasons for <br /> wanting the Durham pipeline and would be willing to abide by the Town' s <br /> decision . However, he stated that if the decision is driven by concern <br /> about ability to get a long-term commitment from OWASA for water through <br /> their pipeline then the County would like to be made aware of that. <br /> There is a commitment on the county' s part to try to work out whatever <br /> is necessary in terms of a long term arrangement. The rates have been <br /> mentioned as being an impediment. However, as long as OWASA has a <br /> surplus they should be in a position to make an offer that would be <br /> competitive with Durham' s rates . The issue of looping and the ability <br /> to serve more distant areas makes it important to know what is expected <br /> in the community . He indicated that he felt that the County <br /> Commissioners would like to see more compact growth from the center out <br /> rather than developing the outer areas and working back toward the tow <br /> Town Commissioner Rose mentioned that the Durham pipeline offered the <br /> best rate Hillsborough has ever received from anyone. The monthly <br /> charge is $0 . 85 per 1000 gallons after the first 50 , 000 gallons. It is <br />