Item 8-g - Efland Sewer System - Transfer of Ownership to City of Mebane

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2 The sewer infrastructure installed by the County as part of this project and the associated easements are the property of the County. Per the interlocal agreement, this property must be transferred to the ownership of the City of Mebane. This transfer of property/assets needs to be approved by the BOCC. Staff has developed a utility infrastructure dedication form for this transfer (Attachment 1) based on previous Orange County utility transfer forms. With this foresight, staff coordinated with the City of Mebane during permitting and the City is already listed as the "Permittee" on the sewer permit obtained from the State to construct this project. City of Mebane staff have been closely involved with design, construction, testing and operational training as the County prepares to switch the sewage flow and place the West Ten Pump Station into operation, which is anticipated before the end of the year. Mebane staff members are intimately familiar with the remainder of the Efland Sewer System as the City has been maintaining it under contract to Orange County since 2016. FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is a net positive financial impact with respect to the operating budget associated with approving the transfer of utility infrastructure ownership to the City of Mebane, as the City will from this point forward be maintaining the system, treating the sewage, and be responsible for billing. Efland sewer customers have been paying a sewer rate similar to Mebane's out-of-town customer rate. SOCIAL JUSTICE IMPACT: The following Orange County Social Justice Goal is applicable to this item: GOAL: ENSURE ECONOMIC SELF-SUFFICIENCY The creation and preservation of infrastructure, policies, programs and funding necessary for residents to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical care for themselves and their dependents. Adding reliable infrastructure results in positive outcomes related to the above Goal. RECOMMENDATION(S): The Manager recommends the Board: 1. Approve the transfer of ownership of the utility infrastructure and easements to the City of Mebane and authorize the Chair to sign the Dedication Form (Attachment 1) and any subsequent utility infrastructure and/or easement transfer documentation, as may be necessary; and 2. Authorize the Manager, Attorney and staff to pursue any further actions necessary to complete the transfer of ownership to the City of Mebane, per the 2004/2012 Orange County-Mebane Utility Service Agreement and as may be required of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ).