(Roy Panter pictured above)

Blue Ridge’s battle over its water tank project is finally headed for resolve. Since 2008, the city has sought approval to use land surrounding the Sunset Mountain Water Tank, located behind BB and T Bank near Highway 515. The purpose of the project is to replace the existing 500,000 gallon water tank with a larger one million gallon tank. However, the project can’t move forward without the approval of the land owners who own the land surrounding the tank, where they would sell their land to the city or go to court. The land has three owners: Roy Painter, his son, and Bill Marchant. According to the discussion at a special meeting called by the Blue Ridge City Council last week, Panter has legal authority to negotiate for all three parties.

Speaking at the meeting, Mayor Donna Whitener said one reason for the delay in the deal is Panter has never made an offer. As such, the city previously offered Panter $7,500 for his land, which Whitener said was based on a recent appraisal. Panter, though, said he found the offer too low and, in fact offensive. Since Panter never submitted an offer, Whitener called the offer a place to start further negotiations.

“We’d like to buy it from you,”

she told Panter,

“but we gotta have some numbers to buy it and you never gave us a number.”

She further explained the city doesn’t have an option.

“People still want water in the City of Blue Ridge,”

she said. The mayor also explained to Panter his property already has a low value because the existing water tank is located on his land. But, Panter responded, saying he recently spoke with a real estate agent who told him it’s worth 40 to $50,000. Later in the discussion, Panter made an offer of $50,000 for the land. But, his offer also included the caveat that the city creates a road, so he can access another part of his property. Before Whitener agreed, though, Council Member Rhonda Thomas recommended the city speak with a road builder to know if Panter’s desired road was feasible.

Council is expected to address the topic at its next meeting May 14th.