There may be a light at the end of the tunnel for Walthourville residents who are seeking improvements to their water woes.

At the May 24 City Council meeting, city engineer Trent Long said certain improvements are scheduled to start once plans are completed. Long said some of the water color issues seem to be coming from around pump number 2. He added the city can address the sulfuric water smells by aerating the system.

Long then addressed the issue concerning water pressure. He said the city’s water tower is not as tall as it should be, which is part of the reason the pressure is low. He added that, upon inspection, they found some water valves covered by pavement. Long said some of those valves might be partially closed, also affecting water pressure.

Long recommended the city consider uncovering the valves and also upgrading the plumbing near the water tower. He gave Mayor Larry Baker and council a preliminary estimate of $65,000 and urged the city to start looking into the planning to get these improvements done. Long said sections of the water system are 30 years old.

Councilwoman Luciria Lovette asked the engineer if the water tower could be elevated. Long said that was a possibility, explaining that the city of Hinesville elevated theirs and that it would improve the water pressure. But he said the city should move first on the recommendations he suggested.

Council then shifted the conversation to the proposed rezoning request for a new subdivision along Highway 84 and Hardman Road.

Councilwoman Sarah B. Hayes asked if a traffic stop was going to be placed at Shaw Road and Airport Road. Long explained that a new traffic light would be placed at the proposed site of the new Hinesville bypass along Highway 84 and would serve the new subdivision. He also assured the mayor and council that there would be plenty of pre-planning and inspections done, should the rezoning move forward, to ensure the new subdivision doesn’t cause any further issues regarding the water and other city infrastructure. He explained that all infrastructure improvements needed to support the new subdivision are paid for by the developer.

The city would be responsible for water service to the 207 homes within the city limits, and the homeowner’s association of the proposed development would be responsible for maintenance of the common areas. The revenue the city would gain from tapping fees is above $1 million, and the projected yearly income from water services is hundreds of thousands of dollars per year.

The council made a motion to retain Trent Long Engineering for the plumbing improvements around the water tower, which was approved unanimously, and they tabled the rezoning request until a later date. Council requested to receive periodic updates on the improvements.

In response to a previous question posted by council, Police Chief Al Hagan said there have been three car accidents in the vicinity of Shaw Road, Hardman Road and Airport Road this year.

In regular business, council approved a homebased pressure-cleaning business, a new salon and a variance request from the owners of the Walthourville Meat Market for a new freezer at the back of their building.

Hagan provided an update that his department was finally able to order the two patrol vehicles previously approved by council. The patrol cars are being funded by the Transportation Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (T-SPLOST).