| By Bob Weaver
Major problems facing the Mt. Zion Public Service District to keep water flowing appear to be approaching a resolution, according to Grantsville Mayor Curtis Garretson.
The Mt. Zion PSD board, meeting Monday evening, approved a proposal put forth by the Town of Grantsville for an operation and maintenance agreement to keep the system operational, Garretson said.
Mt. Zion PSD has several hundred customers scattered from Grantsville to Arnoldsburg, southern Calhoun, Sand Ridge and Russett, including homes, businesses and two county schools.
Garretson said the current boil water advisory could be lifted as early as Wednesday, and water is continuing to be pumped into the system.
The agreement suggested by the WV Public Service Commission between the town and the PSD will be in effect for one year, at which time the situation will be evaluated, Garretson said.
The Mt. Zion PSD reached an operational crisis after a summary judgment for about $71,000 depleted their cash assets and employees were not going to work.
Following a meeting Friday by the Grantsville Town Council, the Calhoun Commission continued the dialogue Monday with PSD board members, PSD employees, Fred Rader with the MOVRC, Loren Howley, hired by the town to draw the agreement, and other vested parties.
"We wanted to do what we could to help with the problem," said commission president Kevin Helmick.
During Monday's commission meeting, Allen Harris from the USDA said his agency has priority over the assets of the Mt. Zion PSD with loan defaults, "but the number number one priority is to keep it operating."
The commission voted to temporarily fund the cost of a certified water tester if needed by the Mt. Zion PSD to lift the boil water advisory, but it appears Grantsville will be assuming those duties Tuesday.
"The prospects for a long-term boil water advisory being in effect has not been good," said commissioner Chip Westfall.
The Town of Grantsville indicated some of the employees of the Mt. Zion PSD could be engaged during the operation and maintenance period.
Mayor Garretson indicated that water bill money would be directed toward paying for operations, paying for water, and could be used for the used for the payment of bills already incurred by the PSD.
"The town was really concerned about losing one of our best water customers," Mayor Garretson said.
The Mt. Zion PSD, according to Garretson, would be applying for a rate increase with the WV Public Service Commission.
Garretson said payments of water bills should be sent to Box 146, Grantsville WV 26147, or can be dropped in red box at City Office or paid at the office.
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