NITRO, W.Va. — The City of Nitro is discussing a potential sale of the Nitro Regional Wastewater Utility to West Virginia American Water Company.
On Tuesday evening, Nitro city council members voted for the approval of the first reading of the sale and announced the second reading for Tuesday, October 15.
In addition, Nitro Mayor Dave Casebolt announced three community forums relating to the matter where members of the public can come and provide input to council members.
Casebolt says questions will be received and those who come out will get informed on why the city wants to make the sale.
“People will be able to come in, ask questions, get any information that we have,” Casebolt said. “Let’s show them why we’re considering selling it.”
The community forums are as follows:
- Monday, September 23 from 5-7 p.m. at the Nitro Women’s Club
- Wednesday, October 2 from 5-7 p.m. at West Sattes Community Center
- Monday, October 8 from 5- 7 p.m. at Nitro High School
Nitro City Attorney Johnnie Brown says if the city eventually goes through with the sale, the state has limitations
“If this eventually goes to fruition, the state statutes are very specific on what the money can be spent on. It just can’t be spent on general matters,” Brown said. “That money, for example, would be required to be spent on primarily law enforcement vehicles and equipment, fire equipment, it could be spent on streets, avenues, roadways, more geared towards capital improvements for the city.”
The wastewater utility sits on 20th Street in Nitro.