Sunday, Athens Mayor Jerry Don Vaught issued a response to the announcement last week that the Athens Municipal Water Authority (AMWA) board had voted to drop the $4 million demand from its lawsuit against the city.
In an email to HCN, Vaught wrote:
The City of Athens was surprised by AMWA’s latest statement that its lawsuit for millions of dollars was never about the money. The City is waiting to see if AMWA will officially dismiss its claim for money. As of this update AMWA has made no official filings with the Court of Appeals.
Don’t be confused, AMWA wants to have it both ways. They announce they have dropped the monetary claim but they still want to sue the residents.
It is very concerning AMWA refused to mediate and filed the $4 million lawsuit against the citizens. Now on the eve of early voting they say it was never about the money. What will they do next?
The latest actions taken by AMWA is just another example of why the City Council believes it is in the best interest of Athens that AMWA be dissolved.
For more background about this issue, click here.