In a special session of the North Carrollton Mayor and Board of Aldermen Tuesday, July 15, the Board addressed the resignation of Attala Water Services as the water and sewer operator for the town. North Carrollton Mayor Ken Strachan presented an interim proposal which sounded like a page from President Donald Trump, the five page document titled “One Big Beautiful Water Operations Proposal” covered everything from efficient water and sewer service to a big cost savings for the town.
Mayor Strachan presented a proposal that consisted of a savings from the beginning of $9,000 and continuing over the next three months of the interim until a permanent water operator will be hired. It was basically a two-step process beginning with the assistance of Mississippi Rural Water.
“North Carrollton became members of rural water a couple of years ago and it has been very valuable to the town in a cost savings and efficient water service,” Mayor Strachan said.
In the first part of Mayor Strachan’s proposal on the wastewater side, Rural Water will have a list of services including in the scope of work obtain weekly readings, check lift stations, and maintain chlorine for the proper treatment of wastewater in compliance with DEQ permits. With the operations of the water another lengthy list of responsibilities will be carried out including collection of all water samples on the system as required with the Safe Water Drinking Act, and inspection of the treatment facilities.
Water Operator Frank Faulkner with Rural Water was in attendance at the meeting and answered questions from the board. On a motion from Alderman Edward Holman and seconded by Alderman Chris Givens with all in favor for Mississippi Rural Water to handle these duties.
“Under this plan, Frank Faulkner will serve as the interim water operator for North Carrollton. Frank has extensive experience in water operations. He also has served Winona in the early terms of Mayor Jerry Flowers. We appreciate him and Rural Water serving the town of North Carrollton,” Mayor Strachan said.
The second phase of Mayor Strachan’s proposal was Water Operator Josh Pearson who is currently the water operator for the town of Kilmichael came before the board and answered questions. This phase with Pearson is the reading of the meters, handling customer service, fixing leaks, and locating lines. The wastewater side will include a list of priorities including checking the chlorine at the lagoon, and maintaining the lift station.
On a motion from Alderman Holman seconded by Givens with all in favor the second phase of Mayor Strachan’s water proposal was passed. Pearson helping North Carrollton will not have any effect on his duties with the town of Kilmichael.
“I’m proud that Josh will be helping us here in North Carrollton. He’s got the qualifications and work ethic to bring our water system to the next level. When I began putting this plan in place to bring to the board of aldermen, I knew that with the help of Mr. Faulkner and Mr. Pearson this would be a great proposal with excellent service to our citizens. Along with a cost savings, this proposal is a conservative plan with highly qualified people,” Mayor Strachan said.
