Bonds may be used for Caryonah Dam repairs

Area News

October 28, 2009

By Jim Young / jimyoungreporter@gmail.com The Crossville Chronicle Wed Oct 28, 2009, 12:21 PM CDT

A series of unbudgeted expenses from the water/sewer fund of the city with possibly more on the horizon makes Crossville Mayor J. H. Graham concerned and seeking possible bond funding to make sure adequate funds are available.

Mayor J. H. Graham requested an item on last week's called meeting agenda for the council to discuss concerns he had about cash flow in the water and sewer fund with recent unbudgeted expenses. Graham said that while the reserve fund has about one year of expenses in it currently, normally it is almost twice as much. With several big water projects and upgrades for the wastewater treatment plant in the works, Graham asked council to give him authority to seek $2 million in bond if necessary.

The cost of repairs to Caryonah Dam was a particular concern to Graham. The dam has partially failed and expensive pumps are currently keeping the water level down until repairs can be made. The city inherited the dam in their merger with Catoosa Utility District.

Councilmen Jesse Kerley said he felt the dam and lake should be returned to the Garrison family if possible.

The total cost of repairs is unknown but estimates run $500,000 or even higher. Bids on the project will be open in mid-November and in the meantime city attorney Chadwell will research and write an opinion about the agreement originally made between Catoosa and the Garrison family and its legal ramifications for the city.

Council members approved authorizing the mayor to investigate possible bond financing if necessary either through the TML bond fund or from the city's general fund. Tax money can not be used directly for water and sewer expenses under state law so any funds would have to be paid back if used from the general fund.

Council members apparently changed their mind on a decision earlier this month to approve a new franchise agreement with Middle Tennessee Natural Gas (MTNG) utility district. The original franchise agreement signed in 1955 expired in 2005 and while council approved the first reading at the regular meeting earlier in October, the council said would like to see local representation on the MTNG board. Because of the way the utility district was originally formed the charter says that each board member must come from the same county as the member they are replacing. MTNG representative Michael Corley told the council at the earlier meeting it would require a private legislative act to change the make up of the board, something the current MTNG board may not support according to Mayor Graham.

Mayor Graham made a motion to approve the second reading but the motion died for lack of a second. The council questioned the issue of MTNG operating without a franchise saying they haven't had one for the last several years and city attorney Chadwell said he would look into it.

After the motion on the second reading of the franchise agreement failed approval, Councilman Duer joked, "Does this mean they are going to cut off our gas?"

Considering that Cumberland County is the second largest customer in the district's service area that appears unlikely.

Mayor Graham announced that a video of the Crossville Airport's 75th anniversary open house and fly has been posted on the city's Web site under the airport section. The city's Web site can be found at www.crossvilletn.org.

Text Only

Area News

Plane has rough landing
No one was injured when a pilot veered off a runway to avoid a deer that was in the path of his light airplane as he landed the craft.

May 25, 2012
Lemert grave site rededication set Monday
The restoration of the gravesite of 1st Sgt. Milo Lemert, Cumberland County's only WWI Medal of Honor recipient, is finally complete after months of repair and rebuilding. A special dedication will be held May 28 at the City Cemetery at Sgt. Lemert's gravesite. The dedication will immediately follow the 11 a.m. annual Memorial Day Ceremony for Cumberland County in downtown Crossville. The public is invited to both events.

May 25, 2012
County to use new district boundaries to fill vacancy
The Cumberland County Commission approved a resolution to use new district boundary lines in the August County General Election in order to fill the vacancy created by the death of 9th District Commissioner Clyde Cramer.

May 25, 2012
THP to enforce seat belt usage this Memorial Day weekend
The Tennessee Highway Patrol is planning to step up efforts to enforce seat belt usage over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. State Troopers along with other state and local law enforcement agencies are participating in the national seat belt enforcement campaign, Click it or Ticket, May 21 through June 3.

May 25, 2012
Shooting victim identified; accomplice jailed
A burglar who fled from a home invasion after his partner was shot by a resident may be held responsible for his friend's death, sources close to the investigation of Tuesday's fatal shooting have told the Chronicle.

May 25, 2012
Healthy eating, activity earn CO honors
Students at Crab Orchard Elementary have been eating better and getting more activity during the past school year. Those efforts have been recognized with prestigious awards for school health.

May 24, 2012
Defendant pleads guilty to avoid jail
A Crossville area man told a Criminal Court judge earlier this month he was entering a plea of guilty to fraud to keep from going to jail.

May 24, 2012
Man sentenced in sexual battery, statutory rape cases
A Crossville man charged with raping one woman and with having sexual relations with an underaged teen in a separate incident has pleaded guilty to related charges and was sentenced to jail.

May 24, 2012
County to build, operate Big South Fork Visitor's Center
The Big South Fork Visitor's Center may become a reality after the county commission narrowly approved building and operating the facility once the project is completed.

May 24, 2012
One dead in shooting near PH
One person is dead, a homeowner slightly injured, and at least a third person is in custody following a fatal shooting that may have been sparked by a home invasion near the Pleasant Hill community. And a fourth person might be connected with the incident.

May 23, 2012 1 Photo
More Area News Headlines

Area News

Search Results

Bonds may be used for Caryonah Dam repairs

Site Map

Contact Us