Ordinance would raise Rocky Top water, sewer rates
Council passes first reading
Rocky Top water and sewer customers will see a 6 percent increase in their bills under an ordinance passed 4-1 by the City Council on first reading last Thursday night.
Only Councilman Zack Green voted against the rate increase, arguing that it was not based on any professional estimates, but only on the calculations of the city staff.
Green asked that the rate increases be delayed until outside consultants could determine how big they should be to keep the city’s water and sewer systems operating in the black.
“We don’t need to raise the rates more than they need to be,” Green said.
He made a motion to table the rate-increase ordinance for further study, but did not get a second to his motion.
Councilman Jeff Gilliam made the motion to approve the rate increases, and his motion was seconded by Councilman Mack Bunch.
City Manager Mike Ellis told the council that the rates “will have to go up 6 pecent again next year, too.”
Rocky Top had already been identified as having the highest water and sewer rates in the region, according to a study by the Clinton Utilities Board that was presented to the Anderson County Commission last year.
The city buys its fresh water from the Anderson County Water Authority, but distributes it through its own system to residential and commercial customers.
But Rocky Top operates its own wastewater treatment plant and collection system, which is now in the middle of a major upgrade that is costing millions of dollars. Most of the cost is being paid from grants.
The new rates will not go into effect until after the council passes the rate-increase ordinance on second reading, now scheduled for a special meeting on Aug. 28.
In other business, the council:
• Voted to add Air Med/Care memberships as a benefit to Rocky Top city employees at a cost of $185 or $195 for a three-year period.
This service would provide air ambulance services to city workers and their families at no additional cost.
Full-time employees on the job for at least a year will get the service free with no up-front payments, but those on the job for less than a year will be required to pay the fee for the service, then be reimbursed after they reach their one-year anniversary.
• Approved a new comprehensive policy on rental of the Recreation/Community Center for private events. It including rates, hours and other terms of use.
• Voted to renew a contract with the Knoxville accounting firm Mitchell Emert & Hill for the annual city financial audit, which is required by state law.
• Was told by Mayor Kerry Templin that longtime Chief of Police James Shetterly will be retiring as of Sept. 29, after 37 years of service.