The new Polk County Regional Water Commission had its first meeting recently and a local commissioner was elected to lead the group.

Tommy W. Melton, Chairman of the Polk County Board of Commissioners, was appointed Chairman of the Polk County Regional Water Commission during its meeting on July 20.

The commission, which is comprised of members of the Polk County Board of Commissioners, Inman-Campobello Water District, and Broad River Water Authority, was created to oversee the administration of the agreement between the three groups. To learn more about this agreement, which was voted on in February and secures management of the local rural water system for the next 20 years, please click here. (https://polknc.info/water-agreement-extended-for-additional-20-years/)

The commission will also oversee all amendments and additions to the agreement and mediate and propose resolutions to issues raised by customers and citizens associated with the member entities within Polk County borders.

At the first meeting, the commission discussed and voted on several administrative details, such as Melton’s appointment and the appointment of Craig Sims, who is the commissioner of the Inman-Campobello Water District, as Vice Chairperson. Rules of Procedure were also adopted and a seventh board member, David Odom, was appointed also.

The meeting included Jeff Walker, General Manager of the Inman-Campobello Water District, giving a presentation on the history of the water system, potential growth, and future supply needs. 

All meetings of the Regional Water Commission are open to the public. The next meeting will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, October 22, in the Emergency Operations Center within the Womack Building in Columbus.

If you have questions about the waterline, please contact the Inman-Campobello Water District. If you have questions about the Regional Water Commission meetings, please contact Polk County Board of Commissioners clerk Kristy Tipton.