Utility Committee Hears Reports

Prior to Monday night’s Trenton City Council meeting, the Utility Committee met and heard several reports.
Members were told the city now has its air permit, which will be good for a five-year period. Work continues on the city’s efforts to renew its wastewater permit. The Department of Natural Resources is currently reviewing requested permit changes by the city and once that has been worked out, DNR will advertise for comments on the permit. Once that is finished, the city will have the chance to make comments before the final permit is issued.
There was a discussion regarding the use of boats at the reservoir, with committee members being told that a request to do so will need to be sent to the DNR, which will need to give its approval. Regulations for use would have to be developed by the city. Mayor Dr. Nick McHargue told members he would be disappointed if the city could not continue allowing persons to use the boats at the reservoir, noting that several persons have expressed appreciation for being allowed to use boats.
TMU Director Chad Davis reported that the utility has been awarded a grant of up to $18,500 that would allow development of a plan to improve the city water system. The money would be used for engineering services. The utility would be required to provide a 15 percent match.
Comptroller Rosetta Marsh reported that the utility ended the year with a deficit of just over $37,000 in the electric department while the water and wastewater departments both ended the year in the black with enough money to cover bond payments. She said the utility still has to write off unpaid bills, which she anticipates will total around $40,000, which it was noted was less that 1/2 percent of the total budget.