“The idea was to provide one place, one-stop shopping,” said Robin Derryberry, owner of Derryberry Public Relations, whose firm is helping host the privately funded site.
She said it was established after local organizations such as the Associated General Contractors of East Tennessee and the Chattanooga Manufacturers Association realized their members were not getting enough information.
But the Web site also will offer a variety of information to the general public, Ms. Derryberry said, including updates on activities of the independent committee on water quality appointed by the Chattanooga City Council. There also will be information on contacting public officials, the history of the water quality fee and how to appeal the fee, she said.
“This is a great way for people to be a part of the conversation,” she said.
The City Council in October approved raising the water quality fee from $36 a year to $115.20 a year. Businesses, industries and institutions pay more because they qualify as multiple residences, fueling opposition to the measure.
ON THE WEBThe new Web site about water quality fees is at www.chattanoogastormwater.com
Roger Tuder, president of the Associated General Contractors, said he’s talked to people who don’t understand how the water quality fee can affect them. This will help the public get that information, he said.
“It felt like there should be a grass-roots effort so people would know,” Mr. Tuder said.
City Council Chairman Jack Benson on Friday questioned the Web site’s accuracy. A flier handed out at the water quality committee meeting Thursday had some inaccurate statements, he said.
Mr. Benson said he would like to know the Web site is objective. He also said the independent committee and the Web site are different entities.
“I don’t want anyone to believe it speaks for the blue-ribbon committee,” he said.
Ms. Derryberry said the Web site will be updated every Friday. She also said it probably will be up until the independent committee concludes its business for the City Council.