Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, March 3, 1995 TAG: 9503030093
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-12 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: B. LYNN WILLIAMS CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: PEARISBURG LENGTH: Medium
In a workshop Wednesday night, the supervisers and surveyor David Yolton reviewed properties covered by a pact that will eventually change the boundaries of the town and county, nearly doubling Pearisburg's size.
Working from tax maps and deeds, Yolton presented the board with descriptions of land that falls under the proposal, which members approved last month after almost two years of discussion.
As a result of the meeting, some adjustments in the boundaries may be discussed with the town.
After the county and town agree on the fine points, the Commission on Local Government in Richmond will study the application. If the agreement earns the commission's endorsement, a public hearing will be scheduled on the proposed annexation.
The supervisors' primary concern focused on whether a list of property-owners whose land will be annexed could be provided.
"We need to let people know [whether they are affected] before the public hearing," said Supervisor Bobby Compton.
Phase I is due to go into effect Dec. 31, while Phase II will not occur until Jan. 1, 1999. By agreeing to the annexation, the town has agreed not to increase its boundaries again until 2010. But this moratorium does not apply to citizen-initiated requests for annexation by the town, according to the agreement.
Following the annexation review, County Engineer/Planner Jerry Mabry gave a briefing on the proposed Giles County Public Water System. The board learned that the county will probably have to subsidize the Public Service Authority until a large enough customer base develops to cover costs. The projected yearly subsidy exceeds $100,000, which may continue into the next decade.
After hearing the report, Compton objected to the county "getting in the water business." Supervisor Jay Williams responded that it is in the county's interest to help get the PSA started. "If the PSA won't go into the water business, the county will have to," Williams said.
Board member George Hedrick agreed, saying the county needs this water system or "we'll be in trouble."
Williams warned, "the PSA's not going to take care of county customers unless we work out an agreement." Compton still expressed concerns about the county's projected annual subsidy to the PSA.
In other water matters, Mabry asked the board to consider waiving nonuser fees for customers in the Ram/Wayside area until the PSA becomes operational. He said this action will assist in obtaining easements. Construction will start soon on improvements to this system and are scheduled to be completed by November.
Mabry also suggested the supervisors think about setting a monthly rate of $10-$12 for these customers, in preparation for the anticipated higher PSA rates.
After the PSA report, the board went into executive session. No action was taken.
by CNB