The Wayne County Water Committee met on Monday, July 17th, 2023 at the Wayne County Administrative Building (old courthouse). Committee members present were Chairman Jim Mangubat, Vickie Petty, Rickey Kelley, Logan Shull, and Tyler McDonald. Committee member Stan Hanback was absent.
The water lines on Highway 64 West that the county has requested Clifton to take over were the only item of business on the agenda. Clifton Mayor Mark Staggs and Clifton City Manager Doug Kibbey were in attendance to discuss this matter with the county once again, as it is something that has been in discussion for years. Mayor Staggs and City Manager Kibbey presented what they said was their final offer to reach an agreement. Some county commissioners not on the water committee were in attendance at the meeting, including Commissioner Sherrie Powers, who apologized to Kibbey and Staggs for all the confusion and “dragging out” of the water line issue.
Clifton’s final proposal, which was ultimately approved by the Water Committee, states that Clifton will take over approximately four miles of the formerly county-owned water lines on Highway 64 West on the condition of a change to the River Resort Act revenue. Currently, there is a 55/45 split in favor of the county in how the approximate $142,000 per year revenue is divided. Clifton’s proposal would change that to a 70/30 River Resort Act revenue split in favor of the City of Clifton. The City of Clifton also agreed to take over the Clifton Senior Citizen Center with no subsidy from the county going forward.
Following further discussion, Commissioner Tyler McDonald made a motion to approve the proposal from the City of Clifton concerning the Highway 64 West water lines. Commissioner Petty seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
In the full commission meeting following the Water Committee meeting, more discussion took place regarding the water line topic. Commissioner Tom Mathis made a motion to accept Clifton’s proposal, and Commissioner Stephen Pevahouse seconded. The motion passed on roll call vote with Commissioners Patrick Butler, Logan Shull, Jeremy Heard, Stan Hanback, David Martin, and Rickey Kelley voting no, and Commissioners Tom Mathis, Stephen Pevahouse, Alvin Creecy, Colby McDonald, Tyler McDonald, Sherrie Powers, Kathryn Staggs, and Vickie Petty voting yes.
