BACKGROUND

The counties of Hernando, Citrus, Sumter, Marion and Levy formed the Withlacoochee Regional Water Supply Authority in 1977. An amendment to the Authority's interlocal agreement in 1984 provided for municipal membership. In 1982 Levy County formally withdrew from the Authority. In 1991 Marion County became an inactive member. However, the City of Ocala has maintained its active membership by separately paying its annual assessment. The current membership includes Citrus, Hernando, and Sumter Counties and their cities plus the City of Ocala.

The purpose of the Authority is to evaluate the potable water needs of the Withlacoochee Region, prepare plans that would provide for those needs and help the local governments in the region implement their long-range water supply plans. Since its inception, the Authority has moved forward with water supply planning studies, construction of its first regional water supply facility in Citrus County and developed a cooperative funding program to assist member local governments in developing adequate water supply facilities.

Since 1983, the Authority has been managed by Jack Sullivan as a consultant through an annual services contract. Mr. Sullivan has 30 years experience as an urban planner and has served as the Executive Director of the Withlacoochee Regional Planning Council and as Deputy Director of the St. Johns River Water Management District.