January 14, 2019
By: Dwayne Page
The City of Smithville has come under some criticism for scheduling a water line repair Tuesday morning which will disrupt service in certain areas of town for a few hours including at Smithville Elementary School.
Because of the repair, all DeKalb County Schools will be closed Tuesday even though Smithville Elementary is the only school affected.
Mayor Josh Miller said the reason the work cannot be done at night or over a weekend as some have suggested is because the city must be in a position to obtain parts from stores during business hours should it be discovered while digging down to make the repair that certain parts are needed which the city doesn’t already have to complete the project.
Mayor Miller said he appreciates the Director of Schools and Board of Education for their patience and cooperation with the city.
According to officials of the city public works department, an 8 inch valve and tapping sleeve are being replaced in a leaking water line at the intersection of Bryant and College Streets. The foreman added that the condition and layout of the water line at this particular location is unlike any he has seen in 30 years working for the city.
Water customers from 412 to 725 College Street (College Street Bridge to the IMI Ready Mix company) will be impacted as well as water customers on Snow Street, Oak Street, Bright Hill Street, Bryant Street, and Walker Drive.
Work will begin Tuesday morning, January 15 at 6 a.m.
The County Clerk’s Office will not open on Tuesday, January 15 until 12 noon while the city makes this water line repair. However the County Clerk’s Office will be open extended hours today (Monday, January 14) from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Meanwhile the Assessor of Property, Register of Deeds, and County Trustee’s Offices will be open Tuesday, January 15 the regular time from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.
“The City Water Department says the time water will be restored is unknown for Tuesday and could be as late as 12 noon. Due to this situation no water means neither employees or the public will have access to restrooms or hand washing in our office. Therefore the health and safety of employees and the public are at risk forcing the closure of the County Clerk’s Office until noon on Tuesday. Although we will be closed for a short period on Tuesday, we are extending our hours today (Monday, January 14) from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m.,” said County Clerk James L. (Jimmy) Poss.