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***NEWS RELEASE*** Date: June 16, 2005 From: Decatur County Mayor’s Office
The intersection of Interstate 40 and Highway 641 provide substantial revenues to Decatur and Benton Counties. The intersections on Interstates are prime areas for businesses and industries seeking a site to locate. The attractiveness of this location continues to grow for prospective businesses, many that would generate huge tax revenues. However, for more than a decade there have been concerns about the failing private septic systems at the 126 exit of I-40. This condition and the lack of a public sewer system have resulted in many good businesses locating elsewhere. It has reached the point that some of the businesses in the area are concerned that they will be forced to close their business if a sewer system is not in operation soon. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), Division of Water Pollution has issued several notices of violations to local businesses in the 126 exit area. This agency has also reported pollution of Eagle Creek caused by the failing septic systems. This situation prompted elected officials and businessmen in both Benton and Decatur Counties to increase their efforts to correct this deplorable situation. The two counties, with approval of both county commissions, entered into an agreement dated June 28, 2001, to establish the Benton Decatur Special Sewer District (BDSSD). In accordance with the provisions of the agreement, Decatur County Executive Wayne Odle appointed and the Decatur County Commission approved the appointments of Danny Graves, Danny Roberts, and Jimmy Kelly to the board as representatives for Decatur County. Subsequently, Jimmy Kelly resigned from the board and David Boroughs was appointed by Mayor Broadway and approved by the Decatur County Commission to finish the unexpired term of Mr. Kelly. The Benton County Mayor and Commission followed the same procedure of appointing their representatives to the board. The following Directory lists all Board Members, management, legal advisor, and auditing firm: Benton-Decatur Special Sewer District Directory June 30 ,2004 Board Members Danny Graves, Chairman Decatur County Commissioner Danny Roberts, Vice Chairman Benton County Commissioner Randy Patton, Secretary/Treasure Benton County Commissioner Roger Pafford Sam Long Decatur County Commissioner David Boroughs Management Team Emily Ferguson, Certified Public Accountant Counsel Wood Law Offices, P.C. Auditors Arnold, Spain, Truett, & Hewitt P.L.L.C
The six members of the board elect the officers and are responsible for making all decisions concerning the sewer district as well as maintaining all records of the board’s decisions and activities. Neither the Benton County Mayor nor the Decatur County Mayor is a member of the board—nor has any authority concerning management of the sewer district. When attending a sewer board meeting they do so only as guests like any other interested citizen. On July 30, 2001 the Decatur County Commission voted to apply for an Eminent Threat Community Development Block Grant in amount of $500,000 as partial funding for a sewer system that will provide sewage disposal for the exit 126 area. The project was deemed by the State to merit “Eminent Threat” status and the application was approved for funding. Following this, inquiries were made concerning a low interest loan in the amount of $1,200,000 from TDEC to provide the remainder of the funding needed for the project. This loan was split between Decatur and Benton Counties with each county securing $600,000; this loan was also approved and will be paid back with revenues derived from users of the sewer system. In August of 2001 the Decatur County Commission authorized County Executive Wayne Odle to provide $50,000 contribution, matched by Benton County, to the newly created BDSSD for initial operating expenses which included employing an accounting firm for auditing services, an attorney for legal counsel, and an engineering firm to conduct preliminary feasibility studies and cost analysis, and to acquire any necessary permits, and other miscellaneous expenses. The audits are available for public review at the Decatur County Clerk’s Office during business hours. It is, and has always been, the practice and policy of this administration to have all available public records open for review and inspection. All actions of the Decatur County Commission are recorded by the Decatur County Clerk and are on file in that office available for review and inspection during normal business hours. All transactions of funds are recorded and available for review at the Decatur County Trustee’s Office during normal business hours. Additionally, all county transactions-- and even methods of expending funds-- are audited annually by the State of Tennessee Comptrollers Office, Division of County Audit. Copies of the audits are available for review at the Decatur County Clerks Office, the Decatur County Library, the County Mayor’s Office; and all eighteen county commissioners are provided copies. Despite some delays and unforeseen obstacles, the sewer project is moving forward. The successful completion of this project is vital to the economy of Benton and Decatur Counties. It will not only provide substantial revenue that is desperately needed by both counties, but it will also allow existing businesses to expand and new businesses and industries to locate in this area which will provide much needed jobs for our citizens. Anyone interested in the facts concerning this project or any other county business, feel free to contact my office. If we do not have the information or documentation you need we will make every effort to direct you to someone who does.
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