GOVERNMENT

Rabun County Schools announce that Superintendent Dr. April Childers will be retiring from Rabun County Schools on September 30, 2024. Dr. Childers states, “After 30 years of dedicated service in education and five years of leading our remarkable school district, the time has come for me to embark on the next chapter of my life. This decision was not made lightly, but I am confident it is the right choice for me and my family. Serving as your superintendent has been the most rewarding experience of my professional career.” The Rabun County Board of Education is committed to ensuring a smooth and seamless transition. The district will be seeking input from the community, faculty, and staff throughout this process. If you would like to participate in the Community Input Survey for the Superintendent Selection Process, complete the survey below.

FRANKLIN, N.C. (WLOS) — The Town of Franklin will open its new social district beginning June 22. This district will run along Main Street, from town hall to Lazy Hiker Brewing. A social district is a designated outdoor area where people can legally consume alcohol. It will be in...

This week, the Rabun County Water and Sewer Authority (RCWSA) heard an update on the consolidation of the City of Clayton’s water and sewer systems from General Manager Brendan Thompson. “Consolidation is going well. We are working diligently on our billing, we’ve got a lot of things to get worked out on that. We’ve had some stumbling blocks but we’re getting there. It is going to take us a few more months to get it exactly the way we want it and even then we’re still going to be working on it. We’re looking at maintenance and developing our maintenance plans for the entire system. We want to get from the reactive status to the proactive status and I’m still a long way from getting over that dotted line but we are going to get there and keep working. We’ve got good folks and we’re going to keep at it. Of course, we talked about the development of our master plan, we’re in the process of doing that. That is going to be a living, breathing document that is never really going to end. We’re going to keep working at it, looking at how we are going to do the projects we are going to do, how we’re going to pay for them, and when we are going to do them as the funds become available. So, we are moving along with our consolidation, we’re nowhere near where I want us to be but it is a never-ending journey. So, we’re working hard and the board is definitely behind us.” The City of Clayton and the RCWSA signed the consolidation agreement of water and sewer services on February 26, 2024.

This week, the Rabun County Water and Sewer Authority (RCWSA) heard the May 2024 report from General Manager Brendan Thompson. “The May 2024 ending balance on RCWSA Operating Bank Account is $164,069.76. May 2024 Water System Total Billings: $ 336,848.45. May 2024 Wastewater System Total Billings: $ 204,222.24. May 2024 Water and Wastewater Total Billings: $ 541,070.69. May 2024 Accounts/Receivable (A/R’s) $ 391,270.15 as of 5-31-24. May 2024 Ninety-Two (92) Work Orders Completed. For the South Water System, Lake Rabun WTP pumped to distribution system volume for April 2024 was 27,539,000 gallons. Pumped to distribution system volume for May 2024 was 26,582,000 gallons; a decrease of 957,000 gallons or -3.5% from April 2024 to May 2024. Customers’ May 2024 meter readings were done May 23, 2024. Bills were sent out June 3, 2024. Seven new connections for the month of May 2024. Unaccounted for water volume for the month of May 2024 was 10.7%. For the North Water System, Little Tennessee WTP pumped to distribution system for April 2024 was 18,921,000 gallons. Pumped to distribution system volume for May 2024 was 19,633,000 gallons; an increase of 712,000 gallons or 3.8% from April 2024 to May 2024. Please note that the RCWSA’s Standard Operating Procedures has water from the LTWTP being brought to the Mountain City’s Distribution System and the City of Clayton Distribution System through the Control Valve. Meter Reading and Bills sent; same times as the South Water System. No new connections for the month of May 2024. Unaccounted for water volume for the month of May 2024 was 61.8%. Total Water System Unaccounted-For Volume Percentage for the month of May 2024 was 32.4%. At the Rabun County Water Reclamation Facilities and Collection Systems, regular preventive maintenance on motors and machinery. Completed Distribution and Collections Storage Facility at Stekoa Creek WRF. No new connections for the month of May 2024.” In addition, fire hydrant maintenance and valve exercising is ongoing system-wide.