At the February 22nd, 2006 Forsyth County Board of Commissioners work session tempers began to run hot over a proposed City/County Water Contract Extension. District 2 Commissioner Brian Tam had added this item and two other items relating to the City of Cumming to the agenda. When it came time to discuss the Water Contract Extension, it was stated that the City needed the contract extended an additional 10 years beyond the 2012 expiration date in order to insure adequate revenue to fund expansion of their system.

Commissioner Richard was absent from the meeting and Commissioner Laughinghouse asked to review the contract as no supporting documentation had been provided to the Board in their Agenda books. Tim Perkins, the Director of Water and Sewer was not available to discuss the terms of the contract and any possible effect it might have on future intake and water plant expansion plans the county might have. There was a motion by Commissioner Tam, seconded by Commissioner Ledbetter to approve a contract beginning in 2006 and extending to 2022. The motion passed 3 (Conway, Tam, and Ledbetter) to 1(Laughinghouse) with Commissioner Richard absent.

Commissioner Laughinghouse immediately raised the question of how could the Board approve a contract when it was not available for review and discussion. At this point, the majority of the Board (Conway, Tam, and Ledbetter) stated they had seen the contract and were ready to proceed. In an attempt at appeasement, the original vote was rescinded.

After additional discussion, the board then voted 3(Conway, Tam, and Ledbetter) to 1(Laughinghouse) with Commissioner Richard absent to again approve the contract and place it on the next regular BOC meeting consent agenda for ratification.

Contacted after the meeting, Commissioner Richard stated This was an irresponsible action by a majority of commissioners who have decided it is more important to serve the needs of the City of Cumming than the people who voted them into office. We should be less concerned with improving the City of Cumming infrastructure and focusing more on improving the countys. Stay tuned for further developments on this issue.

Contributed by Charles Laughinghouse
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