Augusta, GA – The officials say that this deal reflects the rapid development and population growth in and around the city of about 3,500 people.
The Columbia County Board of Commissioners is expected to discuss a proposal in which the county would provide all maintenance and upkeep to Harlem’s water and sewer, including any future expansions.
The city and the county jointly disclosed the merger proposal Friday.
After talks between Harlem and Columbia County leaders, the county retained a third-party consultant to value the cost of the city’s water and sewerage system.
The merger proposal would have the county effectively buying Harlem’s water and sewer system for $7 million, which Johnson likened to how counties and municipalities routinely purchase assets from one another, such as work equipment.
