The town of Vass will soon see significant progress toward its long-awaited sewer plant project.

At a Tuesday meeting, the Moore County Board of Commissioners awarded a $1.6 million contract to Terry’s Plumbing & Utilities, of Asheboro, to implement the first phase of the project officially known as the Little River regional lift station.

Terry’s offered the lowest bid among nine bids submitted.

“I think it’s way overdue,” said Board Chairman Nick Picerno, who then acknowledged the members of the Vass Town Board in the audience.

After hearing a review of the land-use plan update from long-range planner Jeremy Rust, the board agreed to ask the planning department to develop a proposal for completing the work through public involvement. The board will make suggestions once the staff has prepared recommendations.

The board heard a report from the Citizens Pet Responsibility Committee, including a request for an $8,000 appropriation to fund the committee’s educational outreach to encourage efforts to reduce the pet over-population. The committee was commended for its work, which has evolved into a comprehensive education program since its formation in 2006.

The commissioners voted 3-1 to change the “vision” portion of their mission statement to remove the word “progressively” and substitute the word “conservatively.” The amended “vision” calls for “governing conservatively with innovative leadership and providing exemplary public service.”

The change was requested by Picerno, who said the word “progressive” has a negative connotation today because of government actions.

Commissioner Tim Lea, who cast the dissenting vote, wanted to keep the word “progressively” but add “conservatively.” He said that the dictionary definitions of both words reflect that they are not in conflict. Picerno, Jimmy Melton and Craig Kennedy in favor of the change. Commissioner Larry Caddell was absent because of a business conflict.

More details about the meeting will appear in the Friday edition of The Pilot.