Letter to the Editor: Published March 10

Dear Fellow Citizens of Marion,

Over the past year, I along with unanimous support from City Council have been in negotiations with Grand Strand Water and Sewer in regards to conveying our system over to them. An immediate response/question from some citizens was “Why in the world would Mayor and Council consider such a deal?" Truth is because of circumstances we find this deal a necessity.

In years past our water and sewer system was profitable. Our leaders at that time exhibited an extreme amount of wisdom and vision as they prepared our infrastructure for growth. What they did not know or could have predicted is the devastation that NAFTA would have on the textile industry. The City of Marion was dealt a severe blow as we all witnessed the exiting of vital industries out of our city. Those industries represented the profit that we were enjoying with our water and sewer systems.

For the past eight years the City of Marion has loss money on our water and sewer system. Every year's deficit has been supplemented by our general fund. It is simply not a good business practice. We owe today $11 million dollars in loans for the improvements that were made years ago on our system to accommodate our existing and potential industries. All of you are aware of the recent increase we had in the water bills. We will be faced with increases from here on out because the grantee of our loans has to make sure the City of Marion can service our debt. In the meantime our infrastructure depreciates with each passing day.

Over the past month, in order for this process to have been as transparent as possible, we have passed out literature explaining the deal with all residents who pay their water bill at city hall, aired a program on channel 8 and recently completed three public hearings. All questions were answered to everyone's satisfaction. Once citizens learned the full details most understood and agreed with the deal on the table. Going forward prior to the March 16 referendum, City Hall and myself is available for further questions.

Furthermore, I would like to say that over the past months we have hammered a great deal for our city. I have found Grand Strand Water and Sewer to be a highly ethical company who has the whereabouts to progress our city. In many ways I think all of you will see improvements in your service. This comment is not a reflection on the capability of our staff. Our workers are exceptionally capable and Grand Strand will retain all of them. Water and Sewerage is Grand Strands only focus and they are simply the best at what they do.

In closing, we have worked very hard to protect our citizens. All of our protections are in contractual language. Many of the deals highlights are in an advertisement within this edition of the Star and Enterprise. I challenge each of you to be informed when you make your decision by casting your vote on March 16. Regular voting procedures will apply and absentee voting is also available. I believe a “YES”, “YES" vote to this referendum will be a historical positive move for our great city.


Sincerely, City of Marion Mayor Rodney Berry