Hamilton County Commissioners Curtis Adams and John Allen Brooks are not happy with a response from the county Water and Wastewater Treatment Authority regarding its legal expenses.
“I don’t remember ever having this much trouble getting information,” Mr. Adams wrote in a letter to County Attorney Rheubin Taylor and other commissioners. “Rheubin, it raises suspicion — is someone trying to deceive us?”
Last week, Mr. Adams said he wanted to find out how much the authority was paying attorney John Anderson. Mr. Adams said Thursday he may take the issue to court because a document he received last week from the authority had 313 entries blacked out with a magic marker.
“This report is useless,” he said.
WHAT’S HAPPENED
The Hamilton County Water and Wastewater Treatment Authority stirred up controversy in May when its board approved an $8 fee for gravity sewer customers, money meant to pay for inspections and repairs. The board held off implementing the fee to hold public meetings. Last month, they voted to move forward with the fee and also a 6 percent rate increase.
In a letter to county Finance Administrator Louis Wright dated Oct. 10, Commissioner John Allen Brooks chimed in.
“These requests are things that should not be kept from the commission or the public, even if (Authority board Chairman) Henry Hoss threatens to move their billing to somewhere else,” he wrote. “The things we are asking for are public record and if they do not want to comply, we should remove Mr. Hoss.”
Mr. Taylor has made another request for the records.
“I would hope since the WWTA was created by and receives some of its funding from the commission, this request would not have to specifically invoke the provisions of the Tennessee Public Records Act,” Mr. Taylor wrote. “Nevertheless, should my hopes be misplaced, I would expect your compliance to this request within the seven days as provided by said statute.”
Robin Derryberry of Derryberry Public Relations said authority officials had no comment on the situation Thursday. She said the authority will respond in “an appropriate and timely manner.”
Mr. Adams said he first asked for information about Mr. Anderson’s WWTA pay because an East Ridge citizens’ group wanted to find out how much Mr. Anderson, who also serves at city attorney for East Ridge, was making from the authority.
Mr. Adams, who earlier this year served as East Ridge city manager, said it was nothing personal against Mr. Anderson.
Or login with:
New Account