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After nearly

two years of discussions, the city of Fairburn Monday approved a contract

to provide Tyrone sewer capacity.

"This

is a significant step," said Fairburn City Administrator Tony Cox.

Under the

agreement, Fairburn will provide Tyrone wastewater treatment capacity

through Fulton County until its new wastewater treatment plant is built.

The contract

stipulates that Tyrone can purchase 250,000 gallons of daily capacity

until the plant is built.

Tyrone will

pay Fairburn the wholesale rate that Fairburn pays Fulton County, plus

a 15 percent premium charge.

Fairburn

will supply Fulton County a $4 million performance bond to compensate

the county in case Fairburn does not build its own treatment facility.

Tyrone will split the cost of the bond.

After Fairburn

builds its plant, Tyrone will pay the city on a monthly basis, based

on Fairburn's operation and maintenance municipal rate.

Fairburn

is building the plant to provide sewerage to residents and businesses

to the east of U.S. Highway 29 to the the Tyrone town limits.

In order

to induce Fairburn to build the plant, Tyrone agrees to pay the city

for $570,000 within 30 days of completion of the contract.

Tyrone will

receive a cedit that will be pro-rated over the 30 years of the contract.

Tyrone will

be responsible for the installation of all gravity or pressure sewer

lines installed in unincorporated Fayette County, Fulton County, Fairburn

or Tyrone that is necessary to complete the agreement.

Tyrone will

be solely responsible for the maintenance and operation of the sewer

collection system.

If Fairburn

decides to expand its wastewater treament plant, it will notify Tyrone

and Tyrone will have the option of purchasing more capacity.

The contract

now moves to the Tyrone Town Council for its consideration.