The City of High Point finally signs off on financing for a water treatment plant at the Randleman Dam.
City Manager Strib Boynton caught hell for holding out after five other government entities had agreed to help finance the plant:
“Oh, I’ve caught hell from a lot of people over it, but that doesn’t bother me,” Boynton said. “This was a 50-year business contract. We’ve invested millions into this, and my job is to look after the best interests of the citizens of High Point.”
Boynton and council members said the agreement passed because the water authority agreed to a few key changes, including:
* Restoring High Point’s water allowance from 1 million gallons a day back to 2.28 million gallons.
* Including language that makes it clear municipalities will pay into future investments by the authority according to how much it will benefit them.
*Writing in a provision that says no assets financed by the agreement can be sold, assigned or disposed of when the 50-year agreement ends without four of the six municipalities signing off.
“Originally, the language just said all rights would cease in 50 years,” Boynton said. “Why would anyone who had invested millions in something ever sign a document that said their rights would cease after 50 years?”
I’ve said before that I don’t care much for High Point, simply because the city has absolutely no charm. But I’ve also expressed respect High Point leaders’ emphasis on regionalism without sacrificing the best interests of its citizens. That’s not easy, considering the pressure to embrace “regionalism” that’s on local government these days.
