Trezevant Discusses Tiny Houses, Water Issues

TREZEVANT (May 13) ­­— Tiny houses and water issues were key topics during the May 13 meeting of the Trezevant Mayor and Council.

Currently, the city has no ordinances regulating tiny houses. Donny Buntin from the Northwest Tennessee Development District addressed this issue with the Mayor and Council. Buntin serves as the contracted municipal planner for 12 communities in Northwest Tennessee. Trezevant does not have a planning contract with Northwest or any other service. Buntin offered to assist the town’s Planning Commission in drafting an ordinance to present to the full Council.

Several cities have implemented restrictions on tiny houses and small living structures. These restrictions often include minimum living space requirements, minimum land parcel sizes, general aesthetic considerations, the need for a permanent foundation, and specifications on which residential areas, such as high-density zones, can host them. Trezevant has two zoning classifications: R-1 (low density) and R-2 (high density).

Buntin noted that the trend of tiny houses began in 2017 in this region, prompting many municipalities to adopt regulations.

Mayor Bobby Blaylock encouraged David Bryant from the Planning Commission to collaborate with Buntin to draft a proposed ordinance to limit the placement of tiny houses.

Sanitation rates in the city are set to increase, with monthly fees rising from $14 to $16. The first reading of the budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year was also approved, detailing $375,000 in revenues against $482,624 in expenses, resulting in a deficit of $106,724 in the General Fund. The Water Fund estimates $361,900 in revenues and $329,976 in expenses, leaving a net profit of $31,924.

A representative from ‘textmygov’ presented a computer app enabling the city to send mass text alerts to residents. This service is already utilized by the City of Trenton, Savannah, and other municipalities. The cost for the first year is $2,000, followed by $1,500 for each of the next two years under a three-year contract. Suggested uses for the service include alerts about holiday closures, water service outages, and water billing dates. However, Mayor Blaylock expressed his disapproval, stating, “I’m not for it,” and the Council opted not to pursue its implementation.

From the audience, Rita Galloway raised concerns about the quality of water provided by the department, claiming that the aging water system allows sediments to enter the water supply. She and her husband have found the water undrinkable. Galloway criticized the condition of the water treatment plant for not adequately treating the water, which leads to sediment accumulation in the elevated water tank, affecting households throughout Trezevant. She accused city officials of neglecting their duty to represent the people and claimed the city fathers said the city could not afford necessary improvements to the water system. Galloway urged the city to hire a certified water plant operator and emphasized the need for more police officers to patrol the area.

Water Superintendent Erik Grimes was absent, so Mary Jo Hall provided an update on the water and sewer situation. She stated that the city has both short- and long-term plans to address the infrastructure needs, with engineers set to evaluate requirements. Hall mentioned that the city recently achieved a 100 percent rating for water sanitation.  Upgrades are necessary for both the water and wastewater systems, including one of two water wells that is currently pumping sand, said Hall.

Mayor Blaylock noted that the city’s aging iron water pipes often lead to discoloration. Vice-Mayor Pam Joyner mentioned that a consultant has presented to the city concerning the condition of the water systems, and the town is developing an action plan.

Councilman Don Barger thanked citizens for their input regarding water and police department issues, noting that a plan for the water department is in development. Regarding police staffing, he indicated that Chief Mike Mulligan currently patrols periodically and the city is actively advertising for officers. He acknowledged that other departments, such as in Jackson, are also struggling to fill vacancies.

One female attendee expressed frustration, saying that although she is repeatedly informed that “everything is going to get better,” she continues to witness ‘crackheads’ in the community.