Nitro council to consider ordinance to sell city sewer system, public input sought

Nitro City Council will consider an ordinance to sale the city's sewer system to West Virginia American Water during their Sept. 17 meeting.Photo byFoo Conner

NITRO, W.Va. -- The Nitro City Council will consider an ordinance to sell the Nitro Regional Wastewater Utility to West Virginia American Water (WVAW), officials said early this week.

The first reading of the ordinance will be considered during the Sept. 17 regularly scheduled council meeting.

The session, scheduled for 7 p.m., will take place in council chambers at 497 First Ave. South in Nitro.

WVAW expressed interest in negoting with Nitro for the purchase of the sewer system as early as 2023. At the time, Nitro Mayor David Casebolt said that city utility needs $12 million worth of improvements to separate storm water and sewer.

WVAW currently provides water service, but not sewer service, to Nitro citizens.

In addition to Nitro's sewer utility, WVAW has previously expressed interest in purchasing the Union Public Service District and the Sissonville Public Service District.

In March, the Union PSD turned down the water company's offer to purchase the utility after Cross Lanes residents expressed their dissaproval, citing potential rate increases, among other concerns.

WVAW representatives have previously said that Nitro residential customers could see an average increase of $3.50 on their monthly utility bill, though that figure is just an estimate.

Nitro officials will hold three public forums concerning the possible sale of the city's sewer system to West Virginia American Water.Photo byCity of Nitro

In considering the sale of the city’s sanitation utility to WVAW, Nitro officials are seeking feedback from community members.

“There are upcoming community forums that will provide an opportunity for residents to express their opinions, ask questions and receive information about the proposed sale of a public utility,” city officials wrote in a social media post on Monday.

Currently, there are three forums scheduled. They include:

• Monday, Sept. 23 at the Women’s Club of Nitro, 2205 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.

All three meetings will take place 5-7 p.m. The forums are open to the general public.

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