KARNES CITY – New water and sewage extensions to meet the residential growth and expansions of the city were approved during the Sept. 18 meeting of the Karnes City City Council.

City officials said that the current and future plans for new residential areas has brought a need for the sewage and water systems to be expanded, in order adequately meet the needs of an increasing population and the various new housing developments that come with it.

“We have so many people that have bought land, whether it is to develop homes, apartments, or what have you,” said City Administrator Larry Pippen. “I have 10 people right now that have bought lots and we need to extend water and sewer capabilities to them.”

Contractors and developers are in negotiations and discussions as the plans unfold and solidify to implement the expansion.

Pippen says that the developers will pay the up front cost of the new water and sewer extensions, with the city to reimburse the contractors as they complete their projects.

The agreement ensures that the developers will stay accountable and have greater incentive to finish their projects, without the city risking paying for the expansion and then losing money should the project not be completed.

“The city will reap the benefits of all this,” Pippen explained. “And city money will be utilized better as each project is complete.”