The Town of Winnsboro called a special meeting on Monday night for the area water purveyors and governmental entities.

The purpose of the meeting was to hear information on the formation of a joint water and sewer authority.

Winnsboro Mayor Gaddy stated in his remarks, “The purpose of this meeting is to get a better understanding of what we need to do here in Winnbsoro, Ridgeway, northern Blythewood, and Jenkinsville to deal with the water issue.”

Representatives from Santee Cooper presented on the pros and cons of the joint water and sewer authority.

The benefits of the regional authority would allow for the shared cost of the maintaining of the water treatment plant, allow each area to have representation on the board in the discussion-making, and to secure the needed water supply for each area.

These details were provided by Margaret Pope, a bond counsel who accompanied the Santee Cooper attorney Pam Williams.

Pope explained the financial pros of the formation and the legal grounding if the group decides to move forward.

The next step for the group will be to go back to review their need and to determine what assets they have to bring to the table.

For some areas, the next step will be to take a look at their current contract to determine if joining an authority is allowed and beneficial to their customers.

Gaddy strongly encouraged the Town of Ridgeway and Mid-Carolina Water Company to consider this new joint authority as they have renewable contracts with the Town of Winnsboro.