Sullivan’s Island Water System in Dispute Over $1M in Bills
The town of Sullivan’s Island is in the midst of a heated dispute over an unpaid water system bill exceeding $1 million, casting a dark cloud over the future of the system. The contract with the Charleston Water System is set to expire on July 19, 2024, unless the town resolves the dispute.
Background of the Dispute
Under the original agreement between the town of Sullivan’s Island and the Charleston Water System (CWS) dated back to 1994, the town was obliged to remit 88 cents per thousand gallons of water consumed. However, the feud began during 2017 when CWS increased the rate to 96 cents per thousand gallons, while Sullivan’s Island maintained payments based on the old rate.
A string of communications made by Sullivan’s Island questioning CWS’s rate calculation tactics were recorded. The officials at the town also noted their suspicion regarding the correctness of the rates proposed by the CWS. As a result, Sullivan’s Island accumulated back charges exceeding $1 million by the end of 2023, as per records presented by the CWS.
Termination Notice
In 2019, CWS issued a five-year notice, intimating Sullivan’s Island that the contract would expire in July 2024. This was accompanied by continuous reminders given by CWS about the potential termination of water services. A series of mediations to resolve the dispute were initiated between the two parties this year.
Partial Repayment and Remaining Issues
In an attempt to safeguard the water service, Sullivan’s Island Town Council sanctioned a repayment of $227,000 to CWS on April 1. However, despite the good-faith attempt, CWS has stood firm on its stance, claiming that this amount is insufficient to settle the accumulating debts.
If the service termination transpires, the CWS assures that the town’s fire hydrants wouldn’t be affected, except in cases where they are located behind the water meter. As the situation unfolds, the town waits in anticipation of the resolution of the matter in the imminent Town Council meeting scheduled on April 16.
Charleston Transfers Election Control
In related news, Charleston has transferred its election control to the county. Meanwhile, Sullivan’s Island is left grappling with other infrastructural concerns such as tree-trimming and debates regarding underground power lines.
In the light of these events, the future of the water system in Sullivan’s Island hangs in the balance and remains shrouded in uncertainty. All eyes are now on the upcoming Sullivan’s Island Town Council meeting, which will hopefully provide a clearer perspective on the matter at hand.
