Resident, Sue Camara questioned if the system was approved and there were change orders to the project, where did the money come from if expenses go up. Beals said they should be able to accommodate any change orders through a sizeable contingency available. Other options would be to change the scope of the project, ask USDA for more funding and could ask the Board of Supervisors for a higher portion of tax proceeds to help offset extra costs. Supervisor Paul Roen said they couldn’t change fees without a process. Beals added fees couldn’t be increased or decreased without a vote of the people.
Resident, Katherine Puckett questioned the lots that aren’t connected. Beals stated there are lots that have no access to the system along Smithneck Road. Puckett asked if there were vacant lots on the system. Beals said to his knowledge there were no vacant lots hooked up to the system right now. Before the close of the hearing Beals told the audience to feel free to call him and he would answer any questions they had affecting the water system.
With no additional questions, Schlefstein closed the hearing and adjourned until votes were tallied. He stated they needed 50%+1 to pass.
Clerk Recorder, Heather Foster, and staff Melissa Kinneer and Michelle Burr tallied the votes and reported the proposed assessment passed: 157 votes in favor to 82 votes against. Many audience members applauded the outcome.