Reclamation Issue Stymies AP, School Agreement

AVON PARK - Memorial Elementary School is scheduled to open for classes in August, but first the school district has to resolve water/sewer service issues for the school.

The School Board of Highlands County and the city of Avon Park are at a stalemate over water reclamation piping.

Avon Park wants the school district to pay about $180,000 for the installation of more than 9,000 feet of "purple pipe" to transport reclaimed water.

It is quite possible the school district would spend that money not knowing when the reclaimed water would be available to the school site, according to a letter the school board approved Tuesday to send to the city of Avon Park. It is likely to be three to five years before any reclaimed water is available for irrigation use at the school.

"The school board is being asked to completely fund the master infrastructure required for this area," the letter states.

School Board Attorney John McClure and Assistant Superintendent of Business Operations Mike Averyt addressed the city council at its Nov. 13 meeting. No action was taken at that time due to the absence of City Attorney Gerald Buhr.

McClure told the school board that Buhr prepared the utility contract and it is unlikely that he will change his position on requiring the reclamation pipe.

School Board Chairman J. Ned Hancock said a developer can recoup those costs by selling lots or homes, but the school district can't.

School Board Vice Chairman Andy Tuck said, "I struggle with spending money on something we may never use."

The school board's letter also states, "with additional annexation, the city will no doubt benefit from this school location. Interestingly, the city would no doubt provide development incentives for a large business with the employment base of the school board, yet our perception is that no quarter is being shown to the board."

School Board Member Richard Norris said the district may have to pursue other options for utility service.

The school board approved the city's utility contract, but with an amendment agreeing to extend the school district's pipelines up 500 feet to connect to a reclaimed water line from the city.

Avon Park City Manager C.B. Shirey said the issue will be discussed at Tuesday's council meeting.