by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

With voting closing at the end of the business day, the Sewanee Utility District Board of Commissioners met to tally votes on the evening of Jan. 20, with nearly 70 ballots cast in one of the most highly contested elections in recent history. During regular business SUD manager Ben Beavers reviewed year-end finances for 2025, citing net income 51 percent over budget.

Five candidates vied for two seats on the SUD Board of Commissioners. At the December meeting the board set a slate of three candidates who had expressed a willingness to serve when the call for candidates went out in October: Ronnie Hoosier, Phil White, and Donnie McBee. McBee sought re-election. Two other would-be candidates submitted petitions signed by at least ten candidates before the Dec. 30 deadline: Amanda Bailey and Isabella Love. Each customer, defined as a residence or business having a tap, had two votes, although several customers only voted for one candidate. Amanda Bailey led the field with 40 votes, followed by Donnie McBee with 28 votes. Commissioners will be sworn in at the February meeting.

Reviewing the highlight of year-end finances, Beavers said about one-third of the over-budget revenue came from tap fees and water and sewer service development charges for new connections. “You never know how many meters you’re going to sell,” Beavers observed. Another revenue perk came from almost $80,000 in interest income, 32 percent over the budgeted amount. Expenses were right on target, within 0.2 percent of the budgeted amount.

The board will meet next on Feb. 24, the fourth Tuesday, rather than the third Tuesday, the regular meeting date.