Sumner County Commission Approves Water Line Project with Conditions

Sumner County commissioners have conditionally approved a $12 million state grant aimed at enhancing the region's water infrastructure.

 

The project, a collaborative effort involving Gallatin, Portland, Westmoreland, and the Castalian Springs-Bethpage Water District, plans to install 23 miles of new water lines.

 

This initiative is set to deliver up to 3 million gallons of water daily to areas historically plagued by water scarcity.

 

During the commission's December meeting, Commissioner Tim Jones questioned the project's alignment with previous decisions.

 

He recalled a 2023 rejection due to concerns over potential unchecked growth.

 

Jones emphasized the commission's intent to benefit current residents without facilitating future expansion.

 

In response, Commissioner Matthew Shoaf acknowledged the project's progression despite reservations.

 

He highlighted the financial implications of denying the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), noting that rejection would necessitate replacing the $12 million grant to complete the project by its 2026 deadline.

 

The approved MOA designates Sumner County as a conduit for the grant funds, which will be managed by Gallatin.

 

Commissioner Jeremy Mansfield proposed an amendment imposing a five-year moratorium on annexing unincorporated land for residential development.

 

This amendment, reminiscent of language approved in 2023, aims to control growth.

 

Jones supported this measure, suggesting it would enforce growth limitations.

 

However, not all commissioners agreed.

 

Commissioner Wes Wynne argued against leveraging essential services like drinking water to achieve policy objectives.

 

Another amendment requires Gallatin to reimburse the county for reappraisal fees before grant funds are disbursed.

 

Both amendments passed with a 13-4 vote, leading to the MOA's unanimous approval at 17-0.

 

Subsequently, County Mayor John Isbell vetoed the measure.

 

It's currently unclear whether the commission will attempt to override this veto.

 

Gallatin Mayor Paige Brown expressed disappointment over the commission's approach.

 

She emphasized the project's state-granted funding for Portland and criticized the perceived overreach into city authority.

 

Brown advocated for fact-based discussions to resolve disagreements.

 

As of press time, Portland Mayor Mike Callis had not provided a comment.