Kingsland To Consider Water Merger

KINGSLAND - With higher water and sewer rates set to begin this month, Mayor Sharon Crosby told the Kingsland City Council that the city has been invited to consolidate its water department with the Outside Kingsland and West Saline Water Associations, both of which have already agreed to a merge. Crosby made the announcement during the Kingsland City Council's regular monthly meeting held on Dec. 21. She also announced that the city had been awarded a $300,000 grant from the state to pave portions of Holman and Bear State Streets. In October, Crosby told the council that discussions were underway between the city, the West Saline Water Association and the Kingsland Outside Water Association to possibly con-solidate their operations. She said the conversation was in anticipation of the state making a push in the near future to encourage the consolidation of small, rural water systems. Crosby said during the Dec. 21 council meeting that Kaleb Parker, the water operator for West Saline who is currently serving as Kingsland's water operator on an interim basis, had informed her that the Outside Kingsland had unanimously voted to consolidate with West Saline, and Parker wanted to extend an offer to the City of Kingsland to join as well. Crosby told the council that the city council would ultimately have to make a decision on the consolidation since the council is also the board for the Kingsland Water Department. She said she would like to for the council to meet with Parker before making a decision. In discussing the possible merger, Crosby said her primary concern was if Betty Carol Graham, the city's long-time water office manager, would be able to maintain her position. "That is my number one concern," Crosby told the Herald after the meeting. Crosby did mention there was a possibility that Graham would continue to work in her same position since her office at Kingsland City Hall would be conveniently lo...