Petition problems hold up Johns Island waterline

Opponents of St. John's Water Co.'s plans for a 30-inch waterline must do a little more work before the issue can be put to a public vote. Earlier this month, island residents handed over 520 signatures asking the utility to call a special meeting of its members so they can decide whether the controversial project should proceed. After reviewing the petition, the company determined that 192 of the signatures were from people who didn't have active accounts, had signed it multi-ple times or did not live on the island. The petition fell 54 signatures short of the number needed to call for a vote, which is 382 -- 10 percent of the company's members. Guy Buckner, St. John's board chairman, said the utility is prepared to call a meeting once enough signatures are turned in. "We will not allow unknown parties who are not members of St. John's Water Co. and people that do not live on Johns Island to corrupt the established procedures of this company," he said in a statement Wednesday. Supporters said they would finish the job soon. "We'll just keep working until we get it done," said island resident and lawyer Cindy Floyd, who is helping push for the vote. "I'm glad they finally have let us know exactly how many signatures we need or at least give us a ballpark. I'm also happy to know they're cooperating and following their bylaws," she added. The proposed waterline would run 12 miles from James Island, across the Stono River and along River Road. The $10 million project would cause the average household bill to rise by about $1.50 a month. Supporters say the line is needed to boost water pressure on the island and serve new development allowed under the county's zoning. Opponents say the line is too large and would fuel rapid development of the island's remaining rural areas.

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