CMA Church Water Issue Ongoing

Williamsburg Municipal Authority asked Stiffler McGraw Engineer John Clabaugh for cost estimates for the project involving getting public water to the Williamsburg CMA Church during their May meeting. Clabaugh delivered for their June meeting on June 1.

The cost estimate for extending water line to the CMA Church as well as a holding tank would be an estimated $418,000. The authority also instructed him to generate a cost for extending waterline to Potted Memories Greenhose; this cost was $705,000 and to extend waterline to greenhouse and five adjacent residences was $938,000.

The authority had previously discussed this issue in 2016, but when surveys were completed – most around the area of the church did not want public water.

CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) was contacted if any grant funds would be available for this project. Because the church is non-residential, it does not qualify.

Authority member Daryl Cole, said the authority is “ongoing approving this.”

Pastor Paul Campbell was asked if the church would be interested in offering either a capital contribution or payments made over time. He said he would discuss with church board and get back to the authority at their July meeting.

Treasurer David Myers, who was absent form the meeting, took a look at the financial aspects of project, and if the authority completely funds the project, all customers would likely see at least a $1.78-$2.78 increase monthly.

“I just can’t justify raising rates for one entity,” Chairman Ed Patterson told the authority.

The authority told Pastor Campbell to come back with financial information for the next meeting.