Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, April 13, 1995                   TAG: 9504130046
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-2   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: B. LYNN WILLIAMS CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: PEARISBURG                                LENGTH: Medium

GILES COUNTY BUYS HOGES CHAPEL WATER SYSTEM

In a vote following an executive session to discuss the proposal, the county agreed to accept the $120,000 debt the water company owes to the Rural Economic and Community Development agency.

According to Giles County Administrator Janet Tuckwiller, Hoges Chapel stockholders voted unanimously March 22 to ask for the supervisors' help. They elected a new board of directors to present their request to the county board in early April.

Tuckwiller did not know how long the transfer of ownership would take. Supervisor George Hedrick, board chairman, already has signed the agreement, so the next step is up to the water system's board. The board is responsible for filing the paperwork with the State Corporation Commission, which must approve the acquisition.

Some of the 220 Hoges Chapel customers weren't sure what the change in ownership would mean to them.

``If the county's going to get in the water business, it's a good place to start,'' said Ron Holdren, owner of Ron's Stop and Shop, a local business served by the system. ``I hope it's going to bring the cost of monthly bills down a little bit or at least maintains the rate.''

Ken Abel, a former board member, thought the change would be good for the customers. He said the county has the necessary resources to repair ``several major leaks'' in the system. He predicted that it would have a positive effect on service, going so far as to say, ``the water system could be extended if Pembroke personnel agrees to maintain the existing lines.''

Customers monthly bills should be somewhat reduced, Tuckwiller said. ``They were already going to see a reduction in their bills from [an earlier agreement with the town of ] Pembroke,'' she said.

She commented that the small system had been in a tough spot. ``With no staff, they've not had the equipment or personnel for maintenance.'' Tuckwiller hoped that an agreement between Pembroke and the county could be negotiated since Pembroke has the personnel to maintain the system while the county has the equipment.

The Giles administrator said Hoges Chapel customers would notice little change in their service.