The Atlanta Journal-Constitution sought an open records request and is reporting what Canton, GA, pays annually for construction, operating costs and bond payments for the 414-acre Hickory Log Creek Reservoir in Cherokee County.  The discovery was made while trying to determine the value of the reservoir. 

A draft of a consultant’s report finally details what the Hickory Log Creek Reservoir costs Canton: about $2 million a year in bond payments, construction and operating costs.  Although it was originally expected to cost $19 million, the reservoir has cost $91 million thus far — almost 500% more than projected.  Evidently, Canton pays 25% of the reservoir’s estimated $800,000 annual operating costs.  Canton’s yearly bond interest payments are roughly $1.5 million more.