DEMOREST - The Demorest City Council heard Tuesday night from property owners in The Orchard near Turnerville regarding the gated development's water system.
Dave Thomas, accompanied by three other residents at the meeting, said they learned recently the city is exploring the potential purchase of the development's water system from the developer.
"We really don't know who owns the water system," Thomas said. "Everything is so vague."
Thomas said The Orchard bylaws allow the property owners' association to set the water rates, as does a trust indenture. He noted the first trust indenture was made in 1991.
"We assumed it was our water system and we'd run it," Thomas said. "Now it's up for sale, apparently."
Thomas said the water system was installed in 1988, 1989 and 1990.
"Our position is that The Orchard Property Owners' Association owns the water system," said Thomas, a property owner in The Orchard since 1991.
After encouraging the council to do its homework before proceeding with a potential purchase of The Orchard's water system, Thomas submitted a written copy of his remarks to City Clerk/City Manager Juanita Crumley.
The City of Demorest recently took over the Habersham County Water System, which includes infrastructure in the Turnerville area.
No council action was taken following Thomas' comments.
Friday
April 19th, 2024
11:17PM
