COLUMBIANA – The Shelby County Commission approved a resolution to allow a forming utility corporation to operate in the county.

The Governmental Utilities Services Corporation of the City of Chelsea is being formed to oversee and control rate increases for residents whose sewer service is provided by Double Oak Water Reclamation LLC.

DOWR services about 1,500 Shelby County residents, according to the resolution approved by the commission at its meeting on Monday, Oct. 9.

The Chelsea City Council has authorized the formation and incorporation of GUSC, which is intended to provide “a legal entity which offers to current and future residential and business sewer and other utility customers in Chelsea, as well as in other areas where DOWR provides sewer service, delivery of improved utility services of a broad spectrum, and offers an opportunity to positively influence and impact the rates charged for such services and otherwise facilitate the economical and efficient delivery of said services…,” the resolution read.

GUSC will operate in Chelsea but also required the commission’s approval to operate in portions of unincorporated Shelby County that may be serviced by DOWR.

The Shelby County Commission will also appoint one member to the GUSC board of directors, with the appointee required to be a Chelsea resident.

In other business, the commission:

-Awarded bids for pressure sealed forms (Walker Group), powdered activated carbon (Chemrite, Inc.) and hygiene items (Americare).

-Approved the adoption of the Medicaid for County Inmates Program, and for County Manager Alex Dudchock to implement all actions needed.

-Approved acquiring rights-of-way needed for a project to replace a bridge over Buck Creek on Shelby County 52 in Pelham.

-Was reminded that a public input meeting for a proposed project to extend Cahaba Beach Road will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Oct. 17 at Liberty Park Middle School in Vestavia Hills.