The Scotland County board of commissioners tabled a request Monday by the village of Pinehurst to buy a Wagram water plant that would serve the Moore County municipality.

Scotland officials said they wanted more time to study the proposal, though Pinehurst Manager Andy Wilkinson said the deadline to make a decision is quickly approaching.

"We have entered into a letter of intent to buy the plant, along with almost 200 acres and easements," Wilkinson said, "but we need your approval to purchase this property since it is within your jurisdiction."

Wilkinson asked that the board make a decision within one week, since the village of Pinehurst lacks an exclusive agreement with WestPoint Stevens to buy the water plant.

Wilkinson explained that Pinehurst's purchase could have benefits for the entire region.

"The village of Pinehurst wants to manage the plant with local government partners," he said. "We consider it very important that the facility be kept in public hands. If the plant should be sold to a private entity, it may not benefit the public to the same degree."

Commissioner Betty Blue Gholston asked if other municipalities had shown an interest in participating in the partnership plan.

Wilkinson said that yes, "the city of Laurinburg might have an interest in sewer services; we would be interested in discussing water and sewer or water or sewer alone should the purchase be made."

Scotland County was in the early stages of considering the purchase of the plant as a source of additional revenue, according to County Manager Kevin Patterson. In an earlier interview with the Laurinburg Exchange, Patterson said that Pinehurst's purchase of the property would not be a bad thing for Scotland County.

"We have excess (water) capacity now ... and expect excess capacity for at least 20 years", he said, while noting that Moore County is lacking.

"Our water supply is not sufficient for the growth in and around Pinehurst," Wilkinson said. "We view this plant as a regional recourse to addressing regional problems."

Board Chairman J.D. Willis asked why Pinehurst officials did not contact Scotland County or the town of Wagram sooner.

"Frankly, we wanted to be certain that we had an agreement with the owners," Wilkinson said. "We didn't know this until July 20 or 21."

Wilkinson added that Pinehurst officials were unaware that they needed Scotland County's approval to purchase the property until "April or May" of this year.

Willis told Wilkinson not to expect a quick answer.

"We definitely need to talk to the Lumber River Council of Governments, the city of Laurinburg, and the towns of Maxton and Wagram and surrounding counties. We will have to get additional information before making this decision."

Wilkinson expressed his understanding of the board's position.

"This is potentially the first step in a long, important journey for the region," he said. "We hope you'll see fit to approve this."