The City of Mendenhall is close to finalizing a deal that will result in adding a water tank to the city’s system.
Mayor Todd Booth explained that the tank would put the city in position for future growth. He explained that the lift station leads back to a lagoon owned by the city, and taking ownership of the tank would increase the city’s storage capabilities. The water tank is located on property off Hwy. 43 purchased by the Simpson County Economic Development District nearly 15 years ago for a commerce park.
The District received a grant to extend water and sewer access to the property. The property was viewed by an adequate number of potential developers at one time, but ultimately nothing ever came of it. The lack of interest in the property is largely believed to be due to its ingress and egress points. The property not being located near a four lane highway was a major drawback for potential developers. The property has not drawn interest from developers for some time.
Booth and city officials have continued the push to take possession of the water tank. It was estimated that nearly one- third of the residents of Mendenhall would be impacted by new water tank. Booth said the customers located on South Main Street and neighboring areas would benefit from increased water pressure. The water tank would also help improve the sewer system.
On February 5 the Mendenhall Mayor and Board of Aldermen unanimously approved a resolution to accept ownership of the water tank if approved by other involved parties.
The Simpson County Economic Development District called a meeting on February 8 to discuss transferring the water tank and related system at Mendenhall Commerce Park to the City of Mendenhall.
Booth was present at the meeting and explained thatan engineering study said the tank would affect approximately 252 citizens in Mendenhall and add another well. Mendenhall has had ongoing issues with the water system, and Booth said the city is sitting on “a time bomb” not knowing when the current well will go out. The increase in water the tank provides will also assist the Mendenhall Fire Department in maintaining the current fire rating, which improved last year. Booth emphasized that acquiring the tank gives the city a possibility for growth.
The water tank is located on the Mendenhall Commerce Park on Bowen Road, which is within Boggan Ridge Water Association’s franchised area. Attorney Danny Welch expressed concerns at Mendenhall operating a tank and well inside of Boggan Ridge’s area. Booth said he had spoken with representatives of Boggan Ridge and that they were in favor of allowing the city to acquire the water tank. Booth explained that this would not affect any of Boggan Ridge’s customers. The Economic Development District previously tried to sell the tank to Boggan Ridge Water Association, but the water association refused because they had no use for it.
More discussion followed as Dennis Amman presented that a clawback or reversion clause was to be added to the resolution. The reversion clause states that if the city does not make good use of the property within a specified amount of time, the property reverts to the Economic Development District. After discussion both parties agreed that the city would be given one year to get the property operational, and three years to integrate the tank and other equipment into Mendenhall’s water system. Three years marks the remainder of Booth’s term as mayor.
Questions were raised as to why the tank was purchased and placed on the property, when water services for the area could be provided by Boggan Ridge. The park struggled to gain traction with developers. Booth suggested that the park should be surveyed off and sold as lots for homes.
At the conclusion of discussion, the trustees present unanimously approved the resolution. The City of Mendenhall does not currently have water lines extending to Highway 43. The city will need an easement to tie into the system. Booth said the plan is to have the water tank operational within 90 days of taking control of the property.
The next step will be for Booth to appear before the Board of Supervisors to discuss the resolution and ask for their approval. If the supervisors agree to the resolution, the city will then need to request that the state senator and representative present local and private legislation to allow the deal to happen. There are currently no laws that allow this transfer to happen.
