At the end of the month, the Eugene water system will likely become the county's responsibility after years of fruitless discussions about a potential sale of the system.
Debbie Malzner, county finance officer, has been a trustee of the system since the county took it over when the town disincorporated in 1997. At the end of the month, she will resign, and the County Commission will become the trustees.
The county public works department will still be responsible for dealing with any physical problems that crop up in the system.
If Missouri American Water doesn't take control of the operation, which doesn't appear likely, the county will transfer it to become a regular county asset to be run by public works department, said Presiding Commissioner Marc Ellinger.