Residents of a large south Forsyth subdivision hope a recent meeting with their private sewer company will clear the air, literally.

Olde Atlanta Club homeowners have lodged complaints from time to time about “excessive odors” in their neighborhood and golf course, said Tim Perkins, county’s director of water and sewer.

In recent months, those complaints have increased, Perkins said.

Customers also received a recent rate increase from their private sewer provider, Utilities of Georgia, Perkins said. The hike doesn’t follow the cost regulations imposed on public utilities.

The two issues were brought to the county’s attention as residents attempted to resolve the matter.

The county can’t enter the property to investigate the smell unless the state Environmental Protection Division cites the plant for non-compliance, Perkins said.

However, Utilities has always been in compliance when checked by EPD.

A meeting Monday night brought together residents, company representatives and two county officials to address the situation.

Commissioner Brian Tam, whose District 2 includes the subdivision, described the meeting as “very productive.”

“The owners of the sewer plant have put together an action plan to try and address some of the issues,” Tam said. “We will meet again in 60 to 90 days.”

County Attorney Ken Jarrard, the other county official at the meeting, agreed the discussion went well.

“Basically, the homeowners walked away at least feeling like Utilities had heard them, and I think there was a consensus that Utilities would work the problem.”

Jarrard said the issues with odor will be re-evaluated at the next meeting.

The recent rate increase was also addressed, he said, but the “substance” of the meeting was about the odor issue.

Jarrard said the county has previously met with EPD officials to discuss the matter, but the agency has not gotten involved at this point.