Published: January 21, 2009 11:18 pm      

City considers water sales

Wortham could become commercial customer

By Bob Belcher

Daily Sun



The Corsicana City Council gave its approval Tuesday to entering into negotiations with the City of Wortham to sell water to that community.

Corsicana currently sells water to many communities throughout Navarro County, as well as operating the municipal water supply in the city.

Talks are still in the early stages, according to Connie Standridge, Corsicana city manager. Wortham officials asked for a preliminary agreement so it could pursue Economic Stimulus grant funds to help fund the water project. Corsicana is also seeking funds from the Stimulus program to help pay for water system improvements.

Preliminary estimates presented to council members called for sales to Wortham approximately a half-million gallons of water daily, for a total of 15 million gallons of water per month. That could generate approximately $45,000 in revenue each month for Corsicana, Standridge said.

“Its a very small amount of water in the scheme of things,” Standridge told council members, adding there would be no cost to the city for any of the project.

Wortham would be responsible for any costs associated with tapping into the water supply, Standridge explained. They could either tie in directly to a Corsicana line, or enter into a separate agreement with Richland — also a Corsicana water customer — to connect to their system.

The only person to speak during a public hearing on the issue was Vicky Prater, who called on the city to “preserve its water rights.”

“I have no problem selling water to Wortham for human consumption,” Prater said, but expressed concerns over long-term water availability from Richland-Chambers Lake.

The council vote was 4-1, with Councilman Stephen G. Andrews casting the lone opposing vote. Andrews said he wanted more specific information as to amounts of water and rates before he could approve the idea.

Any actual agreement is likely several months away, Standridge said.

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Bob Belcher may be reached via e-mail at belcher@corsicanadailysun.com



CITY COUNCIL MEETING BRIEFS

By Bob Belcher/Daily Sun Staff Writer



Halbert House permit approved

Council members unanimously approved a one-year specific use permit for James Hale, operator of the Halbert House, to continue using the facility for social events and meetings. Two residents near the home protested the issuance of the permit, citing concerns over traffic, street closings and declining property values.



Permit for storage building granted

A special use permit for an accessory building was approved for Betina Hawkins at property located at 1101 South 37th Street.



Budget presentation tabled

The scheduled presentation of a budget and report from the Corsicana Development Commission was tabled until the next council meeting on Feb. 3.



Executive session canceled

A scheduled closed, executive session to discuss potential litigation involving Edwards Railcar and the city water meters was canceled by council. It may be rescheduled for the Feb. 3 meeting.