Fire Protection Increases
New, increased fire protection ratings began taking effect in some parts of Jasper County on December 1, announced Brack Pound, chairman of the Jasper County Water & Sewer Authority, during the organization’s December meeting held Monday evening.
Increased fire protection could mean a reduction in insurance premiums for many residents, information authority members want the public to be aware of before renewing their policies. JCWSA members voted to purchase an advertisement in The News informing readers of such.
More fire protection ratings are scheduled to come on line January 1, said the chairman.
Increased fire protection could come for Jackson Lake Road area residents with the completion of the authority’s extension project, currently in process. Consulting engineer Frank Sherrill reported that all of the eight and ten-inch pipe and half of the total six-inch pipe had been laid.
Mr. Sherrill also said that the project is still within the budgeted excess USDA grant funds from the original County Line Road project. An excess of about $7,000 is anticipated once the final phase of the project is complete.
{{more}}
Relative to the Cedar Creek well project, the engineer reported that geologists were scheduled to make a exploratory visit on December 14 to review well options on the Goolsby Road property owned by the Willis family.
In other water project discussions, executive director and secretary Linda Jordan informed authority members that Partners Three Developers were preparing to enter into a contract with the authority for water service to Edison Bluff Subdivision located on Jackson Lake Road.
Having already paid $15,000, the contract will require that the developers pay all costs associated with the construction up front with reimbursements paid as water connection fees are received by customers.
Tom Brazil provided the system operator’s update that included successful pressure testing on the Jackson Lake Road project including Late Rise and Wisteria Cove; and completion of normal monthly tests.
With regard to board matters, Ray Runge submitted a letter of resignation from the authority because of recent health issues. Mr. Runge is the second county commission June appointee that will need replacing. Trish Thurmond resigned earlier this year to pursue an overseas teaching position. Bud Cowan, who was not present at Monday’s meeting, was named as her replacement last month by the county commission.
The next meeting of the JCWSA will be Tuesday, January 2 at 6 p.m. in the Bank of Monticello Annex.
