by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer

At the Oct. 20 meeting, the Sewanee Utility District Board of Commissioners weighed pursuing capital improvements in 2021 which would forestall increased expenses in the future. The board also discussed the status of the plan to narrow Highway 41A and the upcoming commissioner election.

Commenting on revenue projections in the 2021 budget, SUD Manager Ben Beavers said he reviewed averages for the past five years and past eight years and based 2021 estimated revenue at just below the midpoint. Although 2020 revenue year-to-date was 5 percent below budget, it was still within the eight-year average, Beavers said. Tap fees sales had boosted 2020 revenue, and water and sewer sales were up compared to August of last year. Beavers speculated the August 2020 increase might be due to more handwashing.

Beavers recommended spending $35,000 for leak detection in 2021 in the hope of reducing unaccounted for water loss. Unaccounted for water loss is the difference between water produced at the plant and water passing through customer meters, meaning SUD is not paid for the water. Unaccounted for water loss has averaged 30 percent for 2020. Beavers said the pattern suggests the cause is leaks, not faulty metering.

Taking up another future-expense issue, the board advised Beavers to include an additional big-ticket item on the 2021 budget: a filtration screen for the wastewater collection headworks at Bob Stewman Road, estimated cost $125,000. The headworks screen is needed to block toilettes and masks from clogging the collection system grinder pumps and spray field pumps at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. Replacing the Bob Stewman grinder pump alone would cost $12,000, Beavers said. “For the long-term health of the pumps, the headworks screen will be money well spent. The screen will add 40 percent to the life of the pumps.”

The 2021 budget also includes $194,508 for the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) project to narrow Highway 41A. Beavers recently consulted with TDOT and learned no one had bid on the project. Beavers was advised the earliest the project would be rebid was in December. TDOT is considering combining the Sewanee project with other projects to make it more attractive to bidders. Beavers said SUD is required to hold a sum equal to the estimated cost of the project in reserve in Local Government Investment Pool accounts. “It’s still our money, but we can’t get to it,” Beavers said.

Looking to administrative concerns, the board discussed the January commissioner election. SUD is seeking candidates for the open seat currently held by President Charlie Smith. Smith will seek re-election. By law, SUD must present a slate of three nominees. Commissioner candidates must be SUD customers. Commissioners earn a $50 stipend for each meeting they attend. Potential candidates should contact Beavers at the SUD office, (931) 598-5611.