Diamondhead Residents Upset Over Costly Water & Sewer Bldg.

Thursday, about 25 concerned residents attended Diamondhead’s Water and Sewer District meeting. The residents are upset with the district for wanting to build a new administrative building at a cost of just under $4 million. City officials have even stepped up to offer a solution.

Thursday at the meeting, one of Diamondhead’s council members proposed that instead of the district constructing a new building, the district should move into City Hall rent free. The district told the councilman they would take it into consideration. The Water and Sewer District was set up by the state before Diamondhead became a city, so the city has no jurisdiction over them.

Recently, the district announced they would be constructing a new administrative building at a cost of just under $4 million. The new building will replace the current administrative complex, which was built in the 70s. Many residents say they would rather the district use the money to reduce water and sewer rates.

Louis Fuchs, a resident, says, “I’ve been paying what I thought were really exorbitant rates for years, since I moved here from Florida, where I lived before. My usual water rates were about 35 bucks a month, and it’s just me and my wife.”

The district says it needs time to consider the city’s proposal to relocate to City Hall. The district’s next regular meeting is in two weeks, and that’s when the commissioners may have a decision.