April 17, 2008
The North Utility District of Decatur & Benton Counties, Tennessee sent out subscriber agreements last month to businesses at Interstate Forty exit 126. On this site I have placed a copy of
one these letters with the name of the business blacked out. In addition, you will find a copy of the B.D.C.S.S.D.
Subscriber agreement. Also, I have a copy of the 20 page
Sewer Use Ordinance for B.D.C.S.S.D dated October 2004.
Since the sewer fee is tied to amount of water used and you must use their water, a few phone calls were in order. I discovered that an educated guess as to what a truck stop might pay for water and sewer is about $80,000 a year.
I think this would run me out of business and create a domino effect for the rest of the businesses.
This arguably well-intended project to improve conditions at this exit was hyped by our elected officials that this would cost the people of Benton County NOTHING. Former County Mayor Thornton said many times that the state rest areas would tie into this project and businesses were on the way. Two county commissioners supported the Mayor’s position with,” it won’t cost a crying dime”. The truth is that the STATE spent ONE MILLION DOLLARS to upgrade the rest areas and they are in good shape for the next 20 years.
It is worth noting that at the closing of this project many officials were in attendance but not the Benton County Electric System. Providing electricity to the sewer system was a $17,000 afterthought. I guess they thought they wouldn’t need any.
As for businesses coming, only a FEW bought into that story. More to the point was Pat Carter’s efforts. Corresponding with entities in the food industry she received replies from Cracker-Barrel, Stuckey’s, and Applebee’s. NONE are coming to Benton County.
The action needed is for our County Government to fess up to the mess and seek the help of State Senator Roy Herron and State Rep. Butch Borchert. We cannot afford to pay for a sewer system and make-up nearly $400,000 in lost REVENUE.
Thank you
Henry Berry