Wednesday, July 27, 2016

Newport utilities
Newport Utilities is continuing it's feasibility study with regard to offering fiber broadband service to the community. IT Manager John Knight told the board on Tuesday that the utility is looking at possible grants so that high speed Internet service can be provided to local schools, as well as businesses and homes. He also reported that efforts are underway to remove dead spots in radio communications, and therefore increase safety of utility workers in the coverage area. General Manager Glenn Ray reported that progress is being made on the proposed Hartford wastewater treatment facility. "We are working on the detailed design phase and we have begun surveying the site. We also have done some soil samples allowing the soil scientist to prepare some conceptual designs." He said those designs also are necessary for the state to issue a license for a wastewater plant at that location. Electric Manager Jimmy Robertson reported that efforts are underway to modify the service from the East Newport substation so that when one of the three lines served by the station goes down, not all of the lines are affected. He said isolating problems in a more timely manner should prevent widespread outages. Curtis Atkins of the Water Department reported that the large water holding tank has been repainted inside and out for the first time in 36 years. Carroll Proffitt of the Wastewater Department reported that the new sludge dryer is working well and nearly all of the sludge now is being dried and put on fields. He also reported that the utility has, for the 12th. consecutive year, received an award for Excellent Operation from the Kentucky-Tennessee Water Environmental Association. Finance Manager Sherrie Frisbee told the board that ConAgra last year paid more than half of the revenue received by the Wastewater Department. Although delinquent bills owed to the utility have been dropping in recent years, the board voted to write-off $48,000 in bad debts for the past year. Efforts will continue however to collect those debts. The board approved a slight charge in the rate for bulk water supplied to outlying communities. Dandridge, Sevierville and Webb's Creek will pay $3.68 per 1,000 gallons of water, up from last year's fee of $3.43.


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