Sanford · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Sanford public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Gaster's Creek Sewer Basin Improvements
The council approved a slate of water and sewer projects: relocating TriRiver water lines for NCDOT road widening, safety conversions at the Chatham County and Siler City treatment plants, the Pittsboro water main connection, and the Gaster's Creek sewer basin improvements. These keep service safe and support growth, with most costs billed to partner towns' utility cost centers.
Chatham Park regional water/sewer agreement
Sanford takes ownership of the Clearwater Wastewater Treatment Plant, expansion land, a water tower and new customers, while giving Chatham Park a reserved sewer capacity of up to 2 million gallons a day over up to 25 years. The $1.9 million payment comes from Pittsboro-area rates, not Sanford's.
7% Water and Sewer Rate Increase and Tri-River Rate Parity
The proposed budget raises water and sewer rates 7% — about $5.12 more per month for an average in-city customer. Council members pressed staff on whether Sanford is subsidizing merged partner systems and questioned the timeline for reaching rate parity, which staff said could take decades.