Wayne County and several local towns are joining together to improve sewer services, keep costs under control, and plan for future growth. This effort builds on work the communities have already been doing together since 2023.

With help from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, Wayne County, along with Goldsboro, Fremont, Pikeville, and Eureka, recently finished a detailed study of their sewer systems. The study was funded by a $360,000 state grant and carried out by CDM Smith.

The study took a close look at several key areas: the condition of existing sewer systems, current costs and future expenses, needed upgrades and repairs, and different ways communities could work together.

The study confirmed what many communities already know. Aging infrastructure, tighter environmental standards, and increasing maintenance costs are placing growing pressure on local governments, especially smaller towns. In some areas, limited sewer capacity is already restricting opportunities for new homes, commercial investment, and economic development. 

After evaluating more than ten potential governance models, the committee settled on two clear options to move forward. The first is creating a true regional sewer authority, which would be a shared system run by all the participating communities together. This would let them combine resources, spread costs fairly, improve efficiency, expand capacity, and strengthen eligibility for state and federal funding. The second option would hand control of the sewer systems over to the City of Goldsboro, putting all decision-making and responsibility in the city's hands. Surrounding municipalities would have to connect into the Goldsboro sewer system, where all decisions on rates, borrowing, expansion, and operations would be subject to the City’s governance structure.

A committee made up of representatives from each community took a close look at both options and voted 3-1 in favor of creating a true regional sewer authority model. The City of Goldsboro was the only member to vote against the regional model.

"The majority of the committee supported a regional authority because it gives every participating community a seat at the table and a voice for the future," said Committee Chair and Commissioner Chris Gurley. "Unfortunately, Goldsboro continues to push for complete control of a countywide sewer system rather than supporting a partnership model that shares governance and responsibility."

This is about planning smart for the future, making sure residents have reliable sewer service, keeping costs manageable, and giving communities room to grow. The regional approach is meant to build a stronger system capable of adapting to changing needs while upholding strong environmental standards.

County Manager Chip Crumpler added, “We cannot afford to keep kicking this can down the road while costs continue to rise. A regional authority is the responsible path forward for our residents, our towns, and the future growth of Wayne County.”

Chairman Joe Daughtery thanked Commissioners and staff for their work on the Greater Wayne Regional Wastewater Committee. "We appreciate the time and effort invested by our municipalities, commissioners, and staff. Wayne County is moving in the right direction. We believe in a true regional approach, where no single city controls the future of wastewater for the entire county, is the best path to create fairness, stability, and long-term opportunity for all residents."

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.