By early this summer, something that has eluded the city of Senoia for its entire history will be a reality.

City Administrator Leonard Thompson said this week that final modifications are being made on the first phase of the city's sewer system. Residents in the city's low-income housing will be the first to receive sewer service.

When the sewer system starts up, a part of Senoia's past will disappear as approximately 40 outdoor facilities will fade from existence.

Several years ago, the city received a $500,000 grant from the state Department of Community Affairs to run the lines to the lower income residents.

Now that the lines are run, many in town are buzzing about a tap-on fee, but Thompson explained that residents shouldn't worry.

“Anybody who lives here now will have 90 days to hook up. If they wait any longer, it will cost them $1,500,” he said.

The city is offering the deal in order to get customers for the system. Thompson explained that a lot of funding will come from the new residents who move into town.

After phase one is completed, the city will take bids for phase two this October. The second phase will focus on getting sewerage to the downtown area and local businesses.

He expects the construction phase to last nearly two years, but said that some areas will come on line earlier.

Developments currently underway or planned will also have the option to hook up to the system. A planned commercial development in front of the Cumberland subdivision on Ga. Highway 16 may choose sewer instead of septic, he said.

“It might be cheaper for the developer to do that instead of running all those septic tank lines,” Thompson said.

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