Editor&squo;s note: The following is a resolution passed Monday by the Columbus Town Council and the Saluda Board of Commissioners on a proposed joint water authority. The parts in parentheses are unique to the resolution passed by Columbus.

WHEREAS, the Town of Columbus/City of Saluda&bsp; recognizes the importance of procuring and protecting water supplies for its citizens and the citizens of Polk County; and

WHEREAS, in a meeting on October 24, 2007, the Polk County manager, the Saluda city administrator and the town managers of Columbus and Tryon developed a set of 15 talking points to take back to their respective governing boards regarding the development of a water authority which has been proposed by Polk County; and

WHEREAS, the town council of the Town of Columbus/Saluda Board of Commissioners has carefully considered the 15 talking points and responds to them as follows:

1. The council supports the development by Polk County of a water authority or similar public enterprise for the provision of a water supply and distribution system in Polk County;

2. The council supports the concept of a county-financed water intake facility and treatment plant on the Green River (as long as no additional taxes are necessary to accomplish this goal;)

3. The council concludes that it is not financially feasible for the Town of Columbus/City of Saluda to bear operating expenses of the treatment plant as proposed by Polk County. The council supports the payment of these expenses by all Polk County taxpayers (as long as no additional taxes are necessary).

4. The board remains open to discussing the city&squo;s purchase of finished water from the county water system.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the town council of the Town of Columbus/Saluda Board of Commissioners that the town, based upon the above recitals, supports Polk County&squo;s development of a county water system including an intake and treatment facility on the Green River and encourages the county to proceed with the permitting and construction of that system.

Approved this 7th day of January, 2008.