Who Should Pay for New Development? OJRSA Curious About County’s Spending Plans

The Joint Regional Sewer Authority (JRSA) board in Oconee County recently held discussions on who should bear the cost of the sewer system required for new development. The board is considering increasing impact fees from developers rather than raising rates for retail customers. The finance committee, led by Chairman Brian Ramey, is responsible for making a recommendation. The board also discussed whether to expand the capacity of the current treatment plant or build a new one, possibly in the southern end of the county, which is under consideration for a large project at the vacant Golden Corner Commerce Park.

Additionally, the JRSA and the county government have discussed the county’s plans for the sale of bonds that could generate up to $25 million dollars, a portion of which could be used for sewer work. Although the county government has not yet shared its plans, comments from Glenn Hart, the District Five councilman, suggest that a plan is in place.

The JRSA and the county government are also discussing whether the county should have a seat on the JRSA board of commissioners. According to Chris Bentley of the South Carolina government service agency “A-COG”, this is currently not possible due to the legislation that created the JRSA. However, the county is welcome to attend JRSA meetings and could be awarded a non-voting seat on the board.