Rome seeking to renew Waterfirst designation
The Rome Water and Sewer Division is once again seeking to renew its Waterfirst designation.
Waterfirst is a voluntary partnership between local governments, state agencies and other organizations, working together to increase the quality of life in communities through the wise management and protection of water resources.
According to Rome Water and Sewer Division Director John Boyd, becoming a Waterfirst community demonstrates a local government’s commitment to responsible water stewardship for environmental and economic benefits. Communities that earn the designation are eligible for financial aid and other benefits from the State of Georgia.
“Because of our designation, we get a 1% discount on loans that we might need from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority,” Boyd said. “So, that can come into play. The main thing I want to emphasize is that there are only 54 systems in the state of Georgia that have the designation.”
Other benefits include eligibility for water-related project applications to the Community Development Block Grant program through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, and priority status for the 319(c) Grant Program administered by the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.
Rome was first designated as a Waterfirst Community in 2007 and was the 11th water system in the state to do so. There are 2,388 active public water systems in the state of Georgia. Of those, 673 are municipals like Rome.
“There are only 54 designations, and we’re one of them,” Boyd added. “It’s something to be proud of, and it’s all kudos to the staff.”
Boyd said he will be drafting a Memorandum of Understanding to present to the full Rome City Commission.
BUDGET UPDATE
When the City of Rome rolled back water and sewer rates following financial settlements with carpet manufacturers, chemical companies, and others regarding per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances in the Oostanaula River, it was predicted that the interest would help make up for the loss in customer revenue.
That appears to be what is happening. Finance Director Toni Rhinehart told the water and sewer committee on Thursday that during the first two months of 2024, operating revenues were down by $581,360 compared to the same time last year. However, the income from interest was $593,862, which is up from $96,000 during the first two months of 2023.
“It kind of does exactly what we had said. The interest income would offset most of the loss in revenue,” Rhinehart said.
The fund reserve for construction of a new reverse osmosis facility to remove PFAS from the water supply — which consists of money from the settlements — is currently at $154,234,230.