In December 2013, the Athens Municipal Water Authority (AMWA) filed a lawsuit against the city alleging the City is in breach of contract, breach of fiduciary duty, is negligent and has committed fraud. The issue basically boils down to who should pay for the operation and maintenance of Lake Athens, the dam, and the water treatment and transportation facilities.
The lawsuit asks for a monetary judgement against the City, and although there is no definitive amount requested, in multiple spots the suit says the City is responsible for an amount “in excess of” $4 million.
The City answered back later in December and early January by voting to dissolve AMWA. A petition circulated by AMWA, however, has caused the issue to be placed on the ballot for voters during the May general election.
Below is a list — in reverse chronological order — of links to stories and posts about the subject:
May 5: AMWA v. Athens Legal Bills Near $400,000 So Far
April 30: AMWA Drops $4 Million Demand … Or Do They?
April 29: Athens Releases AMWA Email
April 28: City Claims AMWA Trying to Stop Election
April 28: Mayor Responds to AMWA Vote to Drop $4 Million Demand
April 25: 11 Thoughts from the Athens City Council, AMWA Board Forum
April 24: Breaking: AMWA Drops $4 Million Demand
March 31: Recording of Athens v. AMWA Debate
March 26: City of Athens v. AMWA Debate Saturday
Jan. 31 — Court Orders Mediation in AMWA v. City of Athens
Jan. 29 — AMWA Rebuttal to Athens Mayor’s Letter
Jan. 24 — Letter from Athens Mayor Jerry Don Vaught
Jan. 24 — Henderson County Now podcast about AMWA v. City issue
Jan. 22 — AMWA v ATHENS .. The Process Continues
Jan. 13 — After Time in Court and Council, Still Questions in AMWA-Athens dispute
Jan. 7 — Legal battle continues between AMWA, City of Athens