by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the Dec. 16 meeting, the Sewanee Utility District Board of Commissioner approved a slate of three candidates for the upcoming commissioner election. The board also approved the University’s request for availability for water and sewer service for 48 apartments and the purchase of two raw water pumps to replace aging pumps at the water treatment plant.

Two seats on the SUD Board of Commissioners will come open in January. As required by regulations, the board nominated a slate of three candidates: Ronnie Hoosier, Donnie McBee, and Phil White. All three expressed an interest in serving prior to the November meeting. Just prior to the Dec. 16 meeting, board President Charlie Smith heard from several other SUD customers interested in being candidates. To appear on the ballot, prospective candidates must submit a petition signed by 10 SUD customers no later than Dec. 30. (See “SUD Commissioner Election” to learn more about the candidates already approved for the ballot.)

SUD commissioners serve four-year terms. New commissioners must complete 12 hours of training the first year and an additional six hours of training in subsequent years.

The proposed University apartment complex is located at the intersection of Hwy. 41A and Kennerly Road. Previous plans for an apartment complex at that location stalled. In May of 2023, the University contacted SUD about constructing a 60-unit complex. Reporting to the Sewanee Community Council in May of 2024, Vice President for Economic Development and Community Relations David Shipps said plans called for six buildings with eight apartments in each. Current plans call for two three-story buildings with a total of 48 units, 12 studio apartments, 12 two-bedroom apartments, and 24 one-bedroom apartments. The projected average daily usage is 10,800 gallons per day.

Smith asked if the projected usage was reasonable. “We have the capacity,” said SUD manager Ben Beavers. “There is no reason we should or could deny the request.” SUD’s guarantee of availability is good for 120 days from the time the letter is issued. Two sewer taps would serve the apartment complex and a single water meter. A monthly minimum service fee would be assessed for all 48 units, totaling $600, even if no water was used. Plans call for a fire hydrant in front of each building and one private hydrant in back, meaning SUD would bill for usage.

Taking up the need to replace the raw water pumps at the water plant, Beavers said, “Originally they were putting out 650 gallons per minute. They’re down to 430 gallons per minute. They’re worn out.” Beavers presented the board with two options: one, pumps that would bolt directly into the system, cost $58,565; two, pumps requiring a plumbing adaptation, cost $47,582 (including adaptation and installation expenses). In addition to the higher cost of the direct bolt-in pumps, Beavers noted that the brand of pump was no longer manufactured. The board took Beavers’ recommendation to go with the less costly solution. He anticipates a 14-weeks lead time with installation in February or March. “This is a good time of year to do the replacement, since usage drops in the winter,” Beavers observed.

The SUD board meets next Jan. 20.