Nitro city council members vote Sept. 17 on the first reading of an ordinance to enter a purchase agreement to sell the city sewer system.Photo byCity of Nitro

NITRO, W.Va. -- Members of the Nitro city council passed the first reading of an ordinance that would authorize the sale and transfer of the current municipal sewer system to West Virginia American Water (WVAW).

On Tuesday, panelists passed the reading in a 7-1 vote. Councilman at large Andy Shamblin was the only member who opposed the ordinance.

Nitro city attorney Johnnie Brown explained the measure at Monday’s council meeting.

“Generally speaking, what this [ordinance] does is allow the city of Nitro to proceed forth with an asset purchase agreement [with WVAW],” Brown said.

The purchase agreement must be approved by more than 60 percent of council members for the sale to proceed.

Council members were assured that the public would have a say in the potential sale. Officials have planned three public forums for locals to ask questions and provide feedback, and for the council members to share why they’re considering the sale.

“People will be able to come in, ask questions, get any information we have,” Nitro Mayor Dave Casebolt said.

The three planned forum dates and locations include:

• Monday, Sept. 23 at the Women’s Club of Nitro, 2204 Second Ave.;
• Wednesday, Oct. 2 at the West Sattes Community Center, 234 Lee Ave., Valentine Circle; and
• Tuesday, Oct. 8 at Nitro High School, 1300 Park Ave.

Talk of selling the city’s sewer system has been ongoing for several months now. As previously reported on NewsBreak, WVAW expressed interest in negotiating with Nitro for the purchase of the city utility as early as 2023. The company has also expressed interest in purchasing the Union Public Service District and the Sissonville Public Service District.

The Union PSD rejected the water company’s offer in March after Cross Lanes citizens overwhelmingly expressed their disapproval.

Nitro attorney Johnnie Brown, center, reads an ordinance that would allow the city to sell its sewer system to West Virginia American Water.Photo byCity of Nitro

If Nitro council members ultimately decide to sell the sewer system, the monies received in the sale must be used for distinct purposes according to West Virginia law, officials said.

“The state statutes are very specific on what those monies can be spent on,” Brown, the city attorney, said.

Funds could be spent on police or fire department equipment, or street and roadway projects.

“It’s more geared toward capital improvements for the city and the citizens,” Brown said.

The ordinance now goes on to second reading, which is expected to take place at the Oct. 15 council meeting.

Other business

Also on Tuesday, members of the panel:

• Heard an update on a city-related state audit, which is expected to be complete “by the end of the month”;
• Approved five ordinances updating parts of city code related to traffic control and vehicle security;
• Approved an ordinance that updates city penalties related to assault and battery; and
• Agreed to compensate local “pickle pro” Kyle Mullins, who offers pickleball instruction at Nitro Athletic Complex, 15 percent of all pickleball sales at the center.

Three bids received for municipal building furniture, ranging from $11,595 to $13,270, were sent to members of the City Hall committee for recommendation.

The next regularly scheduled Nitro city council meeting is set for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 1 in city council chambers.

Michael Ramsburg is a Kanawha County communities reporter. He can be reached at ramsburgreports@gmail.com or by calling 304-370-3067.