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| | Tuesday, February 23, 2021
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Newport Utilities as an Authority
Members of the Newport Utilities(NU) Board hosted an informational meeting Monday for members of the Newport Board of Mayor and Alderman. The meeting involved representatives of other governments who have seen their utility move to an Authority status. And representatives of regulatory entities and TVA were also represented. It was aimed at providing information regarding the utility's proposal to become an Authority, and no longer operate under the auspices of the city. The utility is currently being investigated by the Tennessee Comptrollers Office following allegations of "internal irregularities." NU General Manager Michael Williford said the move would mean the city would no longer be responsible for the utility's indebtedness. In addition he said the move would give the utility more flexibility in it's operations. "We can develop new services for our customers, respond to demands a little more quickly and would give us more flexibility in joint ventures and public/private partnerships, as solar and things like that, are needed by developers.' He said future debt would be borne by the utility. Williford said there was previous miscommunication regarding the appointment of the board members by the city council. "The city must still be involved in the board member approval and that type of thing," he said. NU Board Chair Craig Wild said in certain instances it would be beneficial for the city council to have representation on the utility board. "There's no representation from the City of Newport. And I think with what we have been through the past 16 months, in my personal perspective, it would have been a great thing to have someone on city council privileged to what we have been privileged to, to see what actually has been going on at Newport Utilities." The utility board members have been prohibited from talking to anyone, including city officials, about the status of the on-going investigation. Lee Brown of Erwin Utilities said the move would make it easier for the utility to participate in joint ventures with other entities, in an effort to increase revenues that in turn would benefit utility customers. Newport Mayor Roland Dykes II said the city council has questions about how the utility board would be appointed and who would serve on the board. He was told that arrangement would be negotiated in the establishment of the Authority. Williford said the move would not shield the utility from regulations. And he said re-financing of the current bonds, to the liability of the utility likely would not be made until the current investigation is completed. Mayor Dykes asked mayors of other cities who have seen their utility move to an Authority, if there were any negatives to the moves. All of the mayors said the move had been a positive one. Mayor of Greeneville W.T.Daniels pointed out that if an Authority was established it could not be sold without the approval of the city council and a referendum of the community. Amy Edge of TVA said the relationship with her agency would not change if a decision is made to change the operation of the utility. Newport Alderwoman Louanna Ottinger wondered who would be responsible for drawing up the agreement to move the utility to an Authority. She was told the agreement would be a collaboration of city and utility representatives.
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