Communities in Henry County may soon be able to contract with the government for repairs to dams throughout the county.
County commissioners Tuesday approved an ordinance that would establish special tax districts in communities that surround Category 1 dams.
The plan, which commissioners say is the first of its kind in Georgia, was originally presented at last month's meeting, and allows communities to effectively hand the deed to a dam over to the county. Repairs on a dam would be initially funded by the county, then refunded by a localized tax district over the course of several years.
“I believe it’s a first step. These are the major dams that at this time pose a threat to health and safety,” said John Rutan, director of Henry County Water Quality and Pollution Prevention.
Rutan told commissioners that of the county’s 16 Category 1 dams and Swan Lake, six could take advantage of the special tax district plan.
According to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, the failure of a Category 1 dam would “result in a probable loss of human life.”
At the panel’s meeting on Tuesday, Commissioner Bruce Holmes echoed his concerns from last month, arguing that the program unfairly benefits higher-income communities over lower-income areas that may not be able to afford the program.
“I agree we have dam problems in this county, but we shouldn’t discriminate by income,” he said. “I have a problem with this ordinance because it’s flat-out discrimination at the highest level.”
Commissioner Dee Clemmons also raised concerns over the legality of the program.
County Attorney Patrick Jaugstetter said through the program, the county would own the dam itself, but the lake bed and surrounding area would remain private. The county would then have control over the water level through easement, Rutan said.
Clemmons and Holmes were the two opposing votes as the board approved the ordinance 4-2.
About the Author
