From Carolina Public Press:

Asheville’s effort to take the fight against impending water and sewer merger legislation statewide has added a new wrinkle in a long-running regional battle and the potential this year for a state-mandated takeover of the city-run system.

Rep. Chuck McGrady (R-Henderson) and Rep. Nathan Ramsey (R-Buncombe) both objected to pushback on the issue by the N.C. League of Municipalities, which lobbies on behalf of cities and town in the North Carolina legislature.

The organization recently named Asheville’s fight over a potential forced water-system merger with the Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County a top concern for the legislative session. Encouraged by the league, 44 cities or towns have, as of the end of January, adopted or considered resolutions opposing the “forced taking of a water system.”

In Western North Carolina, they include Banner Elk, Blowing Rock, Franklin and Murphy. Larger cities in other parts of the state – including Concord, Jacksonville and Kannapolis – have also signed on.