Water staff presented an asset‑management plan and rate study recommending phased increases to fund roughly $7.193M in five‑year projects; example impact: an average household (4,000 gallons/month) would see about a $7.84 monthly increase in 2027 under the plan.

Neil Hughes of Clear Creek Communities urged local officials to explore public–private partnerships used successfully in other Georgia towns to raise private capital for infrastructure repairs rather than relying solely on rate increases or limited public grants.

County officials described rapid feasibility work on possible consolidation or service‑delivery changes to protect unincorporated customers; they said any consolidation would require state action and a citizen vote and emphasized the city must be at the table for talks.

Mayor Kirk Bradfield told a packed town hall the city has secured $15 million to add a redundant supply line and is pursuing grants and rate adjustments as part of a larger, roughly $100 million estimate to rebuild the system; officials stressed the 44% loss figure is a snapshot and that repairs are underway.

City staff told council the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority awarded Jasper $15 million (50% forgivable, $7.5M loan at 0% for 20 years) for a water redundancy project; council heard project timelines, contractor delays, and potential road-restoration impacts and change orders.