East Texas

By ADAM RUSSELL
Staff Writer

WHITEHOUSE - After Tuesday night's special meeting, where numerous residents voiced their frustrations and opinions on the city's water woes, Brannon Corp., Whitehouse's new engineering firm, contacted the city of Tyler about possibly reopening negotiations.

City of Tyler Water Utilities Operation Manager Greg Morgan said his office was contacted by Brannon Corp. Wednesday morning and asked by corporation representatives if the door was still open to new and further negotiations.

"I assured him it was," Morgan said.

The step to explore negotiations was called on by the City Council at the conclusion of the previous night's meeting, said Whitehouse Financial Director Jed Dillingham.

A 10 a.m. meeting today between Brannon Corp. and city staff will bring the firm up to date on the prior contracts proposed by Tyler.

Recent water contracts were refused by the city because council members and staff felt it would be in Whitehouse's long-term interests to explore other water options, including wells and surface water projects such as Lake Striker.

City Manager Ronnie Fite said Whitehouse will explore options including a "month to month, year to year" water supply from Tyler until the city can provide ample amounts of water to its residents.

Morgan said that, while Tyler maintains its openness to further conversations regarding supplying water to Whitehouse, the city has always approached the table seeking a long-term contract.

Dillingham said that although the city's engineering firm has contacted Tyler, there has been no detailed discussion at this point. After the firm is briefed, it will act on the city's behalf, Dillingham said, and proceed at the discretion of the Whitehouse staff and City Council.

When asked what amount of time would be needed to make potable water available to the city of Whitehouse, Morgan said six to 12 hours after any contract is signed.

The city of Whitehouse, however, remains hopeful two wells will be available before commitment to Tyler is necessary, Dillingham said.

He said bacterial tests on well No. 9 came back clean Wednesday afternoon.

Two more clear tests are necessary for clearance from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality to allow Whitehouse to provide water from that well.