by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the Nov. 21 meeting, the Sewanee Utility District Board of Commissioners approved a 2024 budget reflecting nearly doubled-chemical costs and customer rate increases. In discussion, the board reviewed election protocols and the need for at least one more commissioner candidate for the January election. In responding to a question about supplying water to the proposed sand plant in the Jump Off area, SUD manager Ben Beavers explained SUD’s legal obligation and possible capacity limitations.

“The cost of chemicals went from $27,000 to $48,000 to treat the same amount of water,” Beavers said, comparing the 2023 and 2024 budgets. Health care insurance costs also increased. Material costs decreased by $30,000, but Beavers cautioned the decrease was “not sustainable” since the decrease reflected anticipated grant money paying for some materials in 2024. The budget includes a 4 percent wage increase for SUD employees. “We have good people and don’t want to lose them,” said Commissioner Doug Cameron in support of the raises. Citing SUD’s goals, Beavers said, “We want the district to succeed and to treat our customers well.” To meet the state requirement the budget shows a modest $5,000 increase in net position.

For SUD customers base rate charge for water service will increase $1.10 and water and sewer volumetric charges will increase 2 percent. For the average water-service-only customer the new rates will mean a $4.62 monthly increase; customers with both water and sewer service can expect a $9 monthly increase.

In January, SUD will elect a commissioner for a four-year term. Commissioner Charlie Smith will seek reelection. The board added former commissioner Randall Henley to the slate and is seeking at least one more candidate to meet the three-candidate requirement. All SUD customers are eligible to serve on the board. Customers wishing to be added to the ballot should contact a commissioner or phone the SUD office before the next meeting, Dec. 19. Voting begins Jan. 2, 2024 and continues through Jan. 23, at the SUD office during regular business hours.

Addressing a question about supplying water to the proposed sand plant, Beavers said, “SUD is obligated by law to supply water if they are able to.” SUD’s available capacity can limit the utility’s ability to provide water. Likewise, by law, once SUD reaches 80 percent capacity, the utility must draft a plan to increase capacity. If asked by a future customer to supply an amount of water that would put strain on SUD’s capacity, Beavers would bring the question to the board to discuss how much water SUD could provide.

In addition to the budget, the board approved the purchase of four new computers, cost $9,000, to enable SUD to meet minimum security requirements. SUD’s current computers use XP software and cannot be upgraded to Windows 11. Beavers hopes to recover the cost with American Rescue Plan Act grant money which authorizes using funds to purchase computers. At present, paperwork glitches have delayed the approval process mechanism.

Beavers reported continued frustration in finding an auditor for 2024. Of the auditors Beavers queried, two did not reply and one replied “no.” Beavers suggested contracting again with the company SUD used for the past six years. Beavers said he was “happy” with the service provided by the MG Group, but it was SUD’s practice to switch auditors every few years. By law, SUD must have an auditor under contract by Jan. 1, 2024. “That’s getting down to the wire,” said Commissioner Donnie McBee. The board authorized Beavers to negotiate a contract with the MG Group for 2024.