September 14, 2004

Oconee Wise to Ask About Conflicts and Control of Project

By Wendell Dawson, Editor, AVOC, Inc.

Oconee County is wise to raise these questions.  For several years, some informed folks (in Walton County) have called the Hard Labor Creek reservoir project a “land deal”.

The project started in the mid to late 90’s, with an estimated cost range of $
0 Million + or -.   It has now ballooned into a $
40 Million project.  The process has developed or progressed out of the public eye. 

The ‘project’ is controlled by a controversial authority made up of four appointees of the Walton County Commissioners and a representative from the Cities of Monroe, Social Circle and I believe Loganville and Walton Grove.   For several years, many Walton County citizens have been wary of the authority and the control of it.  Two of the county members are realtors and one owns some land in the area under consideration.  Chairman Ben Doster is also a co-owner of the C & D Landfill site in Walton and Oconee Counties on the Apalachee.  He is apparently a land dealer with little regard for water quality.

The fact that Walton County is not participating or backing the bonds is another concern for governments outside of Walton County who have absolutely no input into the setup or appointments to the authority.

A separate “regional authority” should be set up and an independent analysis or audit of the project should be done by the “partners” before proceeding.

Planning for future water needs is a good thing.  However, too many questions and issues still exist for a substantial investment by Oconee County, its largest investment in history!

The Walton Tribune

         http://www.waltontribune.com/

September 12, 2004

Oconee not committed to reservoir partnership

By Wes Swietek

WALTON COUNTY — Several unresolved issues have stalled Oconee County’s partnership with the Walton County Water and Sewerage Authority (WCWSA) on a proposed Hard Labor Creek Reservoir.

After a decade of planning and permitting, the WCWSA has begun the process of issuing bonds to purchase land for the $
42 million, 1,370-acre reservoir near Social Circle.

The project is slated to be a partnership with Oconee County and Winder, which would own and pay for 29 percent and 12 percent of the reservoir, respectively.

But Oconee County Board of Commissioners Chairman Melvin Davis last month wrote a letter to WCWSA Authority Chairman Ben Doster outlining several concerns regarding the project. The concerns centered on project control, the Authority’s decision to seek bonds without county government backing and an alleged conflict of interest regarding Doster’s purchase, with other partners, of hundreds of acres on and near the reservoir site in 2001.

“What bothers me more is the fact that WCWSA made this decision (to issue bonds without county backing) without input or consultation with Oconee County or the City of Winder,” Davis wrote in the Aug. 20 letter. “This unilateral action was not conducive to the formation of a partnership ... I am also concerned with the proportional vote concept for the partnership,” Davis wrote.

“I do not relish the idea that WCWSA has power to make decisions that affect the budgets of Oconee County without my equal vote.”

Doster said Thursday that the issues had been resolved.

“I think they’ll be at the table,” he said. “They’re on board.”

Doster said the issue of bonds was clarified. “It’s different in Oconee County. We’re not part of the county government and after reviewing the finances, we decided it would be better for us (to issues the bonds).”

Doster also said his land deal was not a hindrance because he disclosed the purchase when it was made and has recused himself from discussions regarding land acquisition.

But Davis said Thursday he’s still not prepared to support an intergovernmental agreement.

“We’re still looking for a clear, definitive picture,” Davis said. “We want to make sure everything is clear. I still want to make sure (Doster’s ownership of the land) won’t be an issue to the bond issuer.”

Davis reiterated that Oconee County is also looking for equal voting power on the project.

“I don’t think we would be interested in this project without full partnership,” he said.

Because those issues remain unsettled, Davis said the Oconee board won’t discuss an intergovernmental agreement at a Sept. 21 work session as originally proposed.

“It won’t be on the agenda for the 21st,” Davis said.