By DAVID WILLIAMS
Independent-Mail
March 23, 2005

State Sen. Thomas Alexander, R-Walhalla, said Gov. Mark Sanford has signed the legislation dissolving the Westminster Commission of Public Works. Effective July 1, the commission will be governed by the Westminster City Council.

"Hopefully they will be working together in the interim for a smooth transition for all parties," Sen. Alexander said Wednesday.

The senator said the process went as smoothly as could be expected following a non-binding November vote calling for the end of the commission, which has about 3,500 customers.

Commission Chairman Rhett Smith said Wednesday he was a little disappointed and had hoped for a hearing in Oconee County before the measure was signed.

"The public never really got to hear the commission’s side," Mr. Smith said.

The public works operations include a $4.2 million budget, about 25 employees and more than $4 million in water-related projects.

City officials have said they hope new public works director David Smith is considered for a job similar to city manager or administrator and that he would still run the day-to-day operations of the public works department.

City Council member Rusty Cater said operations of the commission still are the commissioners’ until July 1.

"It’s not a contest," Mr. Cater said Wednesday. "We have asked them to help us in the transition and to come on board with us. We value their expertise and knowledge and certainly would not ask David Smith to take on a tremendous work load immediately."

Rhett Smith, no relation to the public works manager, said it was important for the City Council to be aware of all the aspects of the utility commission.

"I’ve attended our meetings, Piedmont Municipal Power Authority meetings, County Council meetings, sewer meetings and been to Columbia three times in ’05," Mr. Smith said. "These things still need to be done, and it’s important they don’t get sidetracked."

The commission is moving forward with plans to build a multi-million gallon holding reservoir for its water system, a water tower and a new 24-inch pipe from the Chauga River to the treatment plant.

The Piedmont Municipal Power Authority provides the commission with electricity under a contract good until 2025. Commissioners have said that even without the commission, the power contract and projects will still be need attention and will not mean lower utility rates.

"The biggest advantage," Mr. Cater said, "is to get everything under one umbrella."

David Williams can be reached at (864) 882-0522 or by e-mail at williamsde@IndependentMail.com.

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