Cornelia reaches deal to purchase land for reservoir

CORNELIA - After about four years, it appears the City of Cornelia will be able to proceed with a new reservoir and water plant off Camp Creek Road.

Following a closed session at the conclusion its meeting Tuesday night, the city commission voted to proceed with purchase of the property.

City Attorney Steve Campbell summarized the planned purchased.

"Mr. Mayor, as you know we've had discussions about purchasing an 18.54-acre tract located on Camp Creek Road, which is directly behind the existing water plant for purposes of a reservoir for the new water plant to give us more water capacity," Campbell said.

Eminent domain proceedings to acquire the 18-acre tract were started following a called city commission meeting in February.

"We entered into mediation previously with Wayne and Connie Quarles, who are the owners of the property," Campbell said. "We've reached an agreement to purchase the property at the price of $400,000."

Ward 1 Commissioner Wes Dodd made the motion to proceed with the purchase. Ward 3 Commissioner Don Bagwell seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

City Manager Donald Anderson clarified that the $400,000 is within the budget for the project.

The 18-acre parcel is adjacent to the 16 acres already owned by the city on Camp Creek Road.

The new reservoir could be completed in 2015, Anderson has said.

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