Baxter ending a lengthy legal dispute with Double Springs Utility District.
Mayor Danny Homes said Double Springs Utility filed a lawsuit against the city about two years ago, while the city made an official claim against the utility district. Holmes said the dispute began when Double Springs Utility installed a pressure reducing valve on the property near the Baxter Crossroads. The city felt the valve should not have been placed, as reducing the flow of water could be a problem for the Fire Department.
“We come to an agreement, listen, we love Double Springs Utility. We work good with them. Sometimes we have lawsuits and then, we decide okay, let’s settle this,” Holmes said. “And I’m just so happy that we’ve settled this and we’re all going to work together.”
Homes said the property belongs to Double Springs Utility. Holmes said the city will write Double Springs Utility a check for $139,000. Holmes said the utility district will hold there end of the agreement, as well.
“It initiates the process to have a mutual dismissal,” Wade said. “Obviously there’s a lawsuit, Double Springs against the city, and a claim from the city against Double Springs. This, if approved, would dismiss both cases.”
Holmes said he hopes this settlement can usher in a new age. Holmes hopes to work together and foster a healthy business relationship between the utility district and the city.
“When I became Major, this was one of my priorities, to settle this lawsuit,” Holmes said. “We’ve settled it and I think everyone is happy.”
Homes said the city does not want any hostility with anyone, working with all nearby communities to build stronger economic growth.