This Special Called Public Meeting of the Bailey Town Board of Commissioners was held at the Bailey Methodist Church on August 27, 2026 at 7:00 PM.

The following Board members were present: Mayor Owen H. Strickland II, Mayor Pro Tempore/Commissioner Walter Wells, and Commissioners Richard Wilson and David Evans. Commissioners Ervin Powell and Dillon Bissette were absent.

Also present: Town Administrator/Clerk/CFO Joel Killion, Town Attorney Mark Edwards, and Mr. Rich Moore (Engineer with McDavid Associates Inc., contracted by the Town)

Mayor Strickland called the meeting to order, welcomed everyone, including Senator Lisa Barnes, and allowed the Commissioners to introduce themselves.

Sewer & Water Infrastructure Update:
Mayor Pro Tempore/Infrastructure and Sewer & Water Commissioner Wells came to the podium, stated the purpose of the meeting, and reviewed the background, current status, and future plans for the Town’s sewer and water projects (Commissioner Wells’ notes are included as an addendum in the link below.).

Mayor Strickland highlighted potential regional partnerships and funding for long-term wastewater treatment.

Public Comments & Questions:
Following the infrastructure update, attendees asked questions about the Town’s sewer and water projects, including sewer easements, future project phases, water quality, funding, timelines, spray field capacity, and long-term wastewater planning. Concerns were raised about sewer lines located between and behind residential properties, including whether easements have been clearly marked and whether property owners will receive notice before crews enter private property. Town representatives explained that some easements have not been maintained or clearly identified over time, acknowledged the need for improved communication, and stated that the Town will try to minimize impacts from construction, existing structures, trees, and other improvements in easement areas.

Residents also asked whether the current work is only the first phase and whether other areas of Town may be affected. It was explained that the current sewer work is limited to the identified routes, while future water improvements may affect some of the same areas depending on the location of aging galvanized or cast-iron water lines. Water quality concerns were also discussed, including discoloration, sediment, laundry impacts, appliance damage, and issues experienced by homes at the end of water lines. Town representatives explained that planned improvements include better water circulation through interconnections, replacement of aging lines, rehabilitation of Well No. 1, and installation of blowoffs where needed.

Questions were asked about project funding, bid delays, and grant deadlines. It was explained that the Town received one grant for sewer improvements and another for both water and sewer work. Upcoming work includes replacing aging water lines, rehabilitating Well No. 1, and completing wastewater treatment plant improvements, including lagoon sludge removal. The engineer stated that contract award recommendations for the water distribution improvements and Well No. 1 rehabilitation were expected to be presented at an upcoming Board meeting. Town representatives also explained that delays have occurred because utility contractors are in high demand and some projects have required multiple bid attempts.

Regarding grant timelines, it was explained that the State and Town remain in communication as grantor and grantee and that extensions may be requested when needed. They noted that flexibility is important because contractor availability challenges are affecting infrastructure projects across the state and country.

Several questions concerned the Town’s spray field and wastewater capacity. It was explained that the existing spray field is approximately 12.5 acres, but not all of the acreage can be used because of required buffers. The Town is evaluating additional land, including appraisals and possible negotiations with nearby property owners, to increase usable spray capacity. The engineer stated that the goal is to maximize the lagoon system’s original design capacity of 90,000 gallons per day, but exceeding that capacity would require more significant and costly treatment upgrades. Based on current assumptions, an additional 12 to 15 acres may be needed, depending on soil conditions. Condemnation or eminent domain was described as a last resort, with negotiation preferred.

The discussion concluded with questions about long-term wastewater planning and regionalization. Town representatives discussed possible partnerships with surrounding communities, including Spring Hope, Middlesex, Nash County, and others. Mayor Strickland stated that a regional wastewater authority may be Bailey’s best long-term option because a larger customer base could make the system more viable and improve opportunities for state and federal funding. No firm timeline was provided for moving away from the spray field model because any future solution will depend on feasibility, funding, regulatory requirements, and regional participation.

Mayor Strickland then proceeded to close the meeting by asking the Commissioners for a motion to adjourn.

Commissioner Evans made a motion to adjourn the meeting, and Commissioner Wilson seconded the motion. Motion carried.

Vote: Mayor Strickland: N/A, Commissioner Evans: Aye, Wilson: Aye, Wells: Aye.

Meeting adjourned.