The Etowah Sewer Company has been privately owned for years, but in a matter of days, there could be new ownership: the Henderson County Commission.

On Wednesday, July 17, it will be known if the county is going to be responsible for owning and managing one of Henderson County’s three sewer systems.

It’s big news for our community,” Henderson County Manager John Mitchell said. “It’s something the board’s going to discuss. If [this acquisition] goes forward, it’s going to have a long-term impact on development in that portion of the county.

The potential acquisition of Etowah Sewer has been in the works for a while.

“This has been a negotiation that’s been going on for about six months,” Mitchell confirmed. “We’ve come to an agreement.”

If the commission votes “yes” to that agreement, it will give the county control.

“One of the big driving factors in any development is wastewater,” Mitchell explained. “It’ll mean that development in that area will be a decision for the Henderson County Commissioners.

Having that sewer under the control of the local government will add to the commission's ability to regulate growth.

Some residents in the Etowah community, specifically around the Etowah Valley Golf Course, have shown their displeasure with potential new projects in the past.

As of right now, Mitchell says the county has had no discussions about a new development yet. However, expansion is not off the table for the sewer plant itself.

“It does have a permit to grow larger if the county acquires the system,” Mitchell said. “There are no plans at this time to expand it.”

The decision will be made Wednesday, July 17, at the commission’s regular meeting at the Historic Henderson County Courthouse. The agenda can be found here.

 

STORY & PHOTO COURTESY OF ABC 13 WLOSHenderson County could soon own Etowah Sewer, impacting local development plans (wlos.com)