The Department of State Treasurer has “concerns” about the Whittier Sanitary District, which supplies water to about 100 people in Swain and Jackson counties. They include failure to adopt a budget, operating at a loss, providing free service for board members, foregoing a statutorily mandated audit, and failing to bond the financial officer.

Local governments aren’t exactly sure what they can or should do, since the district is in two counties. The board consists of three elected members, but two resigned this year. John Boaze was appointed to fill one of the vacancies, and he is working hard to make the board compliant with the law.