Hard Labor Creek Management Board Agrees To Consider Adding Citizens from Walton and Oconee Counties

The Hard Labor Creek Management Board agreed today to resolve the issue of citizen representation on the Management Board by modifying the intergovernmental agreement Walton and Oconee counties signed in 2007.

No vote was taken, but Management Board members said they wanted to have the issue settled so the newly seated boards of commissioners in the two counties can make their appointments in January and have the option of including citizens.

Project Manager Jimmy Parker said it was important to get the issue resolved since the Management Board will be busy reviewing bids and beginning the construction process on the reservoir in January.

The state is offering the two counties $32 million in loans to assist with construction of the dam, and Parker reported today that he expects to receive final loan documents for review on Oct. 8.

Oconee County had a citizen representative on the HLC Management Board until late last year. The intergovernmental agreement does not allow Walton County to appoint citizens.

For additional details on today's meeting, go to Oconee County Observations.