TOWN SCHEDULED TO PAY OFF DEBT

Plan could help reestablish city’s water department

Hobson City could soon regain control of its water services by paying off more than $ 100,000 of debt it accrued with Anniston five years ago.

During the town’s regular council meeting Monday, Mayor Alberta McCrory announced the municipality was scheduled to pay off all of its debt to Anniston by the end of the year — at which time steps could be taken to fully reestablish the Hobson City water department.

A cost estimate on what it would take to restart and run the department was not yet available.

“To look back years ago and see where the department had to go to Anniston … it was heartbreaking,” said Councilwoman Deneva Barnes. “But now to see the debt being paid off in such a short time period … we’re really excited about it.”

Barnes said paying off the debt was just another step in Hobson City becoming a fully independent town again.

“We want to be our own city again,” she said.

Catherine Phillips, operation consultant with the Alabama Rural Water Association, presented the council with packets containing sample municipal policies and regulations it would need for a functioning water department. Alabama Rural Water is a non-profit organization that provides free assistance to water systems for a variety of issues, from operational problems to meeting federal and state guidelines.

Phillips said the packets included samples of water purchasing policies, water user agreements, and even employee evaluation policies.

“Remember, when you put policies and procedures in place, everybody is treated the same and it keeps you out of trouble,” Phillips said. “Most every water system has these policies.”

Rodney Owens, assistant general manager for the Anniston Water Works and Sewer Board, previously told the Star that Hobson City’s debt with Anniston, its single water supplier, began about 10 to 15 years ago when it began failing to pay its monthly water bills. Then five years ago, due to the mounting debt, Anniston agreed to take over the billing and meter-reading responsibilities of the Hobson City water department, thereby removing the need for the agency.

To combat the debt, the council in December raised water rates from $15 for the first 400 cubic feet of water to $20 for the first 400 cubic feet. It also raised sewer rates for all sewage usage over 100 cubic feet from 85 cents per 100 cubic feet to $1.60 per 100 cubic feet. It was the first time the town had increased rates in about a decade.

Phillips said she helped the council put its desire to pay off the debt into action.

“I did a water and sewer rate study to see what they would need to have to get the debt paid down,” Phillips said.

Councilman Frederick Striplin thanked Phillips for helping the town.

“If it were not for you, we wouldn’t be in a position to pay this bill off,” Striplin told Phillips.

Contact staff writer Patrick McCreless at 256-235-3561.