By Tabitha Evans Moore
Editor & Publisher
LYNCHBURG, Tenn. — The Moore County Metro Utility District Board voted Monday night not to move forward with a proposed reduction to residential sewer rates, citing budget timing concerns and unresolved questions about long-term financial obligations.
The motion failed 3-2 with Glen Thomas and Daryl Richards voting for the motion and Barry Polsluzny, Charles Johnston, and Greg Guinn voting against it.
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Will be looked at in 2026-27 budget
Thomas made a motion to reduce the residential sewer rate by $2 per month, lowering it from $20.99 to $18.99. The proposal would have applied retroactively to February billing and affected approximately 214 residential customers.
According to figures discussed during the meeting, the rate reduction would have decreased sewer revenue by approximately $1,253 for the month of January. Thomas argued that the sewer department’s current revenues exceeded operating costs and said the reduction would provide modest relief to customers without significantly impacting the district’s overall finances.
Other board members expressed hesitation about adjusting rates mid-budget cycle. Several noted that the district is currently operating under a budget approved last summer and that upcoming obligations — including bond principal payments and unknown future expenses — made it difficult to evaluate the long-term impact of a rate change at this time.
Board members also referenced uncertainties related to chemical costs, treatment expenses, and infrastructure maintenance, emphasizing that sewer service remains costly to operate despite recent revenue performance. Some suggested revisiting the question during the upcoming budget process, which begins in the spring and would allow staff time to model the impact of any rate changes more fully.
Board members indicated the issue could be reconsidered as part of the next fiscal year’s budget discussions.
The MUD Board meets every second Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at the MUD offices located at 705 Fayetteville Highway. All meetings are open to the public and there is a public comment period at the beginning of each meeting.•
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