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Trezevant Holds Public Meeting Concerning Water System

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TREZEVANT — Trezevant’s Board of Aldermen held their second public hearing in as many months last Tuesday, March 12, regarding the town’s water and sewer system. This month, the board and several concerned citizens were introduced to companies interested in either buying the town’s water and sewer system or just managing it. Alderman Pam Joyner introduced the representatives that were present from various companies. They all made a short presentation introducing themselves and their companies and what they do and answered questions from the public and the board.
The first speaker was Mr. Evan Romo, division manager for Alliance Water Resources. Alliance offers services to municipal water, wastewater and public works systems, investor-owned utilities, not-for-profit utilities, and rural water and wastewater districts. They serve a number of communities in Missouri and Western Kentucky and two correctional facilities in Tennessee. Romo is based in Union City where they have a division office.
Drew Watson, business services specialist from Tennessee American Water was present. Watson and a colleague made a presentation to the board last fall during a meeting. Tennessee American Water is based out of Chattanooga and is interested in purchasing Trezevant’s water and sewer system.
Mr. Mike Miller, Mr. Justin Kersey, and Mr. Steve Lubertozzi were present representing Utilities Inc. who were also interested in purchasing the water and sewer system. They are based in East Tennessee.

A number of questions popped up during the Q&A session following the introductions. Very first question came from Trezevant Fire Chief Doug Applegate, who asked if they would be charged for water used by the department. All three companies said there would be no water charges for the fire department.
The next question came from a citizen asking if any of the companies have operated in a town the size of Trezevant. All three companies said they have worked with towns approximately the same size as Trezevant.
Jeff Goad, Trezevant’s financial officer, asked if it would be a problem if the town didn’t have a full-time employee in the water/sewer department. Alliance responded that they would bring in their own trained people. American Water and Utilities, Inc. also responded they would have their own people as well. All three companies made a point of saying they would be members of the community just like existing businesses. Goad also asked Alliance if it would cost extra for equipment repairs. Romo said those incidents would be built into the contract as a repair cap.
Alderman Joyner thanked the representatives for coming and requested board permission to have Ms. Lynn Manning, Trezevant’s grant writer from Community Development Partners, address the board at the April 9 meeting about grant availability. The board approved the request before adjourning and going into regular council session.