A representative for a private company that installs water-sewer systems said Monday the per-residence cost of the service would be about that of a septic tank.

Wesley Self, a representative for Integra Water, told commissioners a system would require 15 months to build.

A commission committee had heard an earlier presentation by the company.

“This is just a presentation to the commission as a whole. ... It’s not a proposal at this point,” board Chairman Josh Herring said at the end of Self’s presentation at a Monday commission meeting.

Commissioner Louis Rehberg pointed out a water-sewer system would be for a subdivision in the process of development.

“We’re talking about higher-density areas,” Rehberg said. “ ... This is not an entire-county concept.”

“Only the people who receive benefits of water and sewer actually pay for it,” Self explained.

The service would cost $36 to $42 a month for a residence, with about half of the amount being water.

Self said a water-sewer system here would require an Integra investment of $4.5 million to $5 million.

“What we’re looking for is new development,” Self told commissioners.

He said the company acquires, upgrades and expands boundaries of existing systems.

It is frustrating to see places without water-sewer services, Self said, adding that with private investments, economic development takes place quicker.

If Thomas County government allowed Integra Water to serve the community, the company is prepared to pay a franchise fee. “It’s an ongoing revenue source for the county,” Self said.

Commissioner Merrill Baker asked Self about an area in Thomasville that is on septic tanks, but is not a subdivision.

“They are hoping that one day they can get off septic tanks and get on regular sewers,” Baker said.