Commission Chair Bill Simonds appointed Steve Patterson to the Water Authority Board during the board of commissioners meeting this week.Simonds said Patterson will replace Josh Golden, whose term was expired. In an email this week to FYN, writing on behalf of the water authority Sonia Smith noted,

“He (Golden) has done a fabulous job but his work schedule does not always permit him to attend (the meetings) and his free time is limited with a new addition to their family.”

Smith added that the county intended to commend his contributions to the board, calling his work fabulous, but said that time did not allow.

Additionally, the chairman reappointed John Chastain to the Water Authority. Chastain’s term had also expired, Simonds explained. As such, Chastain was reappointed to a one-year term.

Since the summer, the water authority has been at the center of controversial efforts to bring county water to the My Mountain Phase II community. Efforts have recently been stalled due to negotiations between the county, the My Mountain Home Owners Association, and Gary Schraut and his attorneys. The purpose of the negotiations is to resolve conflicts of interests between the parties with the intentions of providing My Mountain Phase II with county water.

Last week, FYN reported negotiations between the parties were in process and making progress. County Attorney Lynn Doss confirmed she was working on a document of agreement, but noted she could not release details of the document. Doss said an update would be given at the next Water Authority meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, April 18th at 2:00 P.M. in the third floor jury room in the Fannin County Courthouse.