The Fulton County Board of Commissioners Wednesday postponed a decision on whether to buy a private sewage treatment plant that an independent expert says the county does not need.
By a vote of 4 to 3, commissioners tabled for two weeks a decision on a long-term sewage treatment plan for north Fulton County. The main sticking point: a decision on whether to buy the private Cauley Creek treatment plant. It’s the second time this month commissioners have postponed action.
Fulton County previously contracted with the plant to treat sewage, which Cauley Creek converted to irrigation water for golf courses and other customers. But after the county built its own plant nearby, Fulton officials decided they didn't need Cauley Creek and terminated the contract. The plant closed at the end of 2012.
In recent months, the plant's owner, Ron Green, has tried to convince Fulton officials to buy and reopen the plant. To help make his case, he's employed politically connected lobbyists, including former state House Speaker Mark Burkhalter and former County Commission Chairman Mike Kenn.
But an independent consultant's report recently confirmed that buying the plant would be costly and unnecessary.
County Commissioner Liz Hausmann asked for the two-week delay. She cited this week's decision by the Johns Creek City Council to buy the treatment plant and 133 acres for a new park. Johns Creek Mayor Mike Bodker requested the delay in order to give the city more time to comment on the consultant's report.
Hausmann said a delay would ensure the report is fully vetted. She said she had “grave concerns” that the report does not accurately forecast the demand for sewage treatment in the area. And she said the decision should not be rushed.
County Manager Dick Anderson, whose sewer plan does not include buying Cauley Creek, said the facts and his recommendation will not change in two weeks. He noted the decision has already been delayed for months and asked commissioners to move ahead.
Anderson said that, by buying the treatment plant, Johns Creek will become an interested vendor that wants to sell something to the county. He said the city will not be happy with the county’s decision no matter how long it’s delayed.
Commissioner Emma Darnell said a delay would give the appearance that commissioners are putting political concerns ahead of the interests of the county’s water and sewer customers. But a majority of commissioners approved Hausmann’s request for a delay.
Green did not respond to a request for comment.
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