LIBERTY Trustees threaten to go for private water source

Girard's mayor warnedLiberty that he will guardthe city's agreement to sell water in the township.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
LIBERTY -- Township trustees threatened to seek a private water source if Trumbull County governments can't come up with a plan to provide water to boost township development.
Trustees want to provide water in the short term for future development along state Route 304 and Tibbetts-Wick Road.
"All I want is water. All I want is a pipe in the ground," township Administrator Patrick J. Ungaro said during a meeting Tuesday.
Trustee W. Gary Litch told the mayors of Girard and Niles and Thomas Holloway, county sanitary engineer, said that if they can't come up with a proposal to construct waterlines and supply water, they will look at a private supplier, such as Consumers Ohio Water Co.
James Brutz, an assistant county prosecutor who represents the county sanitary engineer, suggested the waterlines may take years to construct.
"That's not good enough," Litch shot back at Brutz.
Ungaro said he wants to hear from the public water providers by Aug. 6.
Resolution
On July 2, county commissioners approved a resolution giving Liberty trustees 90 days to enter into a water contract with a private or public source.
But first, the township has to exhaust a deal with Girard, which has a 20-year agreement with commissioners to provide water to much of Liberty.
Girard Mayor James Melfi told trustees that during his 31/2 years as mayor, he hasn't been approached to expand water service.
Melfi made it clear that he won't stand by and allow another provider to supply water to Liberty.
"I won't take any challenge to the [water] district lightly," Melfi cautioned, noting that Girard needs money to pay off the debt of its purchase of Girard Lakes.
Niles Mayor Ralph Infante said he's willing to provide bulk water to any community that wants to buy it.
Niles and Youngstown buy water from the Mahoning Valley Sanitary District and resell it to other communities, including Girard.
County cooperation
Holloway pointed out that the county has cooperated with Liberty to improve water and sewer systems and is involved in two projects in the township.
He asserted that Liberty has benefited from the county more than any other township.
Holloway stood firmly that the township can't receive water from a private company. "That's not going to happen."
Holloway expressed concern about higher rates that might be charged by a private supplier.
Trustee Patrick Durina said that he would prefer that the township, rather than a private concern, work with government in providing water.
Ungaro said he doesn't know how many customers are willing to sign up for water, but he noted the current system of building lines after there is a demand isn't working.
Holloway said lines could be constructed with state Issue 2 funding or borrowing money through the sale of bonds.
yovich@vindy.com