Faison officials looking for ways to pay for sewer improvement
By Bonnie Edwards
Published in News on June 3, 2005 2:30 PM
FAISON -- The Faison Town Board isn't likely to increase the town's tax rate but residents might see water and sewer costs go up to pay for help pay for utility improvements and repairs, said Mayor Bill Igoe.
Members of the town board met Wednesday to discuss the budget for 2005-2005 and will convene again next Thursday to continue budget work. State law requires local governments to have a budget approved by the end of the month.
Igoe told board members Wednesday he is looking for ways to get money to pay for sewer repairs and improvements that the town is being required to finish next year.
It's going to cost a "bundle of money," Igoe told board members.
State officials have told the town it must have a new lift station finished within a year. The lift station will cost between $250,000 and $285,000, Igoe said. Television surveillance of sewer lines to check for leaks will cost about $20,000, and inflow and infiltration repairs are expected to cost about $170,000.
Igoe said he expects the total cost will be about $460,000, and the town will need to come up with the money by the end of 2007.
Igoe said he has been looking into the possibility of the town obtaining grants or loans to help pay for the work.
"It would be good to get a 100 percent grant, but it's not out there," Igoe said.
The town has asked for an extension of the deadline for having the work finished, and Igoe said he expects an answer from state officials next week.