From Staff Reports

The state House of Representatives on May 2 gave final approval to legislation that ends Asheville’s control of the regional water system with no compensation to the city. In the aftermath, the city is considering a legal fight.

Specifically, the state House agreed with changes made by the Senate to N.C. House Bill 488 that would strip the water system from the city.

The action sends the bill to Gov. Pat McCrory for consideration. If signed by the governor, the new law would hand over control of the Asheville water system to the Metropolitan Sewerage District of Buncombe County. 

In the aftermath, the city announced that Asheville City Council will hold a special meeting at 5 p.m. May 7 “to consider authorizing legal action” against the move to take away its water system. 

The meeting will be held in council chambers on the second floor of City Hall. Council is expected to go into closed session to consult with its attorney, as allowed by state law to discuss pending litigation. according to a notice issued by City Clerk Maggie Burleson.

McCrory will have10 days to sign the bill, veto it or allow it to become law without his signature.

However, the measure, sponsored by Rep. Tim Moffitt, R-Buncombe, was approved in both the House and Senate by margins that would override a gubernatorial veto. The governor’s office would not say whether he supports the bill.

The controversy over the water system proposal prompted a big turnout of citizens at a town hall-style meeting with City Council and officials on April 3.