Council hears that water litigation aims to remove surcharge; staff says buying system is not the objective

Council members used the retreat to press city staff for clearer public discussion about ongoing litigation and contingency plans tied to the city’s water service.

Councilwoman Jody Raichel asked whether contingency planning signaled an intent by the city to acquire a water system, and raised concern about the scale and cost of any such purchase. City leaders said the litigation’s stated goal remains elimination of the surcharge charged to Sandy Springs customers by Atlanta, and that contingency work is meant to prepare the city for any possible outcome without presuming that the city will purchase a system.

The mayor clarified that litigation is aimed at removing the surcharge and ensuring reliable service and that staff are preparing for multiple contingencies in case the litigation produces outcomes that require further action. City staff emphasized that contingency planning is standard legal and financial preparation and not a decision to enter the water‑utility business.

Council members asked for more public conversation if litigation moves toward a settlement or an outcome that could leave the city confronting operational decisions, and asked staff to return with materials that explain likely impacts on residents and on the city’s finances. No timetable or specific price estimates were presented at the retreat; council and staff said they would bring more detailed analyses to a future public meeting if circumstances warrant.