More than 20 new taps so far
Polk County has seen so much interest in tapping onto its new water line between Polk County High School and Polk County Middle School that commissioners are extending an $1,800 break on tap fees for another 60 days.
Commissioners met Monday, June 18 and discussed the surprising number of new taps on the approximate 2-mile water line under construction now.
County engineer Dave Odom said so far the county has hooked on about 23 new customers along the line. Original estimations were that the county could pick up about a dozen new water customers.
“I was surprised at how many (tapped on),” Odom said. “You’ve probably got another 30 homes out there who could tap on.”
For another 60 days, potential customers can take advantage of the current $1,200 tap fee compared to $3,000 to tap on later.
Odom said he will send out letters notifying the other homeowners along the line regarding the discounted tap fee opportunity.
Commissioners on Monday approved a change order for the project, adding to the budget by approximately $28,000. The original bid was for $592,465 and the change order is for $28,069, increasing the project to $620,534.
Odom said some of the taps were given in exchange for easements, but the county had payment on five of the taps, which gave the county $6,000. Commissioners decided to take $22,069 out of fund balance and use the $6,000 made on taps to increase the funding for the project.
Polk County decided last year for back-up purposes to connect its well system at the middle school campus to the Town of Columbus’ water system, which ends at the high school. The connection means the county will be hooked to all the towns’ water systems, as the systems in Columbus, Saluda and Tryon are all connected.
The county is also considering adding to the project by running a water line to CooperRiis, which is located past the Mill Spring crossroads at the intersection of Hwy. 108 and Hwy. 9.
Odom said the current project connecting the schools should take another 45 days.