The cities of Archdale and Trinity have agreed to pay up to $25,000 for a preliminary engineering study of sewer service options.

Almost two years ago, Archdale agreed to pay up to $22,000 to investigate sewer service, including a wastewater treatment plant, southwest of the city.

The study was to be jointly financed by the city of Trinity, which agreed to pay $19,766, and Randolph County, as well as a $40,000 grant from the N.C. Rural Development Center.

The grant was not approved. However, a more recent estimate for the study is $75,000 — more than $20,000 less than in 2007 — and Archdale City Council decided that the work needs to move forward.

Archdale’s sewage currently is treated by the city of High Point and Trinity’s is treated by the city of Thomasville.

The study would be a joint effort, still contingent on support from the county.

City Manager Jerry Yarborough pointed out that getting regional sewer service will be a very long process. “This is the first step that you have to do,” he said.

Councilman Lewis Dorsett added that they have all learned to look toward the future. “We didn’t get the grant money,” he said. “This shows that we’re willing to go forward.”

Trinity City Council agreed to pay up to $25,000 for the study at their Sept. 15 meeting.

“This is a first step in a very long process to secure adequate wastewater treatment capacity for the future needs of Trinity,” said Trinity City Manager Ann Bailie.

The wastewater facility is on the tentative agenda for the Nov. 2 County Commissioners meeting.