The Tennessee American Water facility in Chattanooga is shown in this aerial photograph.
Staff File Photo by John Rawlston/Chattanooga Times Free PressChattanooga’s water utility got its biggest rate increase in history in April after claiming it needed the 14.8 percent increase, in part, to pay the rising costs of its 110-employee operation.
But since regulators granted the rate hike, Tennessee American Water has cut its Chattanooga staff to 100 workers.
A union leader for utility workers on Monday called the water company’s actions “an unconscionable gaming of the system” that could undermine the delivery of water in Chattanooga.
“Not only is the company understaffed to maintain its valves and deliver its customer services, but this company has never really fully staffed to the levels that the regulators have authorized,” said Mark Brooks, a Nashville attorney for the Utility Workers Union of America, which represents many of the 82 hourly workers of Tennessee American.
But Jessica Presley, an external affairs specialist for Tennessee American Water, said the utility is operating effectively with a leaner staff and the company has no immediate plans to add more workers.