By Ryan Lewis
Correspondent
SOUTH PITTSBURG, Tenn. — When selecting a representative to serve on the new Wastewater Authority Board in Marion County, South Pittsburg officials said they wanted someone who already was closely involved with the project.
Last week, city commissioners voted to make Mayor Mike Killian South Pittsburg’s first representative on the board that will control the new regional facility.
“The reason I am offering myself to serve there is because I have been in on it from the beginning, and we have the majority of the customers,” Mr. Killian said. “Somebody that’s been in on all of these meetings needs to be that member.”
Mr. Killian’s initial term will last for three years, officials said.
Since he has only two and a half years left in his mayoral term, Mr. Killian said he would consider resigning from the Wastewater Authority if he did not return as mayor in 2012.
“I would not want to stay there forever, but I don’t think we should let this get out of our hands,” he said. “Fifty-four percent of the customers (for this project) are from the city of South Pittsburg.”
Commissioner Charles Reynolds nominated Mr. Killian.
“We’re not appointing the mayor,” he said. “We’re appointing a person to represent the town. I’ve been in on the discussions with this project, but I don’t want to have any part (of serving on the board).”
Kimball appointed Alderman Mark Payne last week, and Mr. Killian expects Jasper to name a representative soon.
All three towns wanted their city administrators and commissioners to be able to serve on the authority board, officials said.
Mr. Killian said there is no conflict of interest in choosing him as the representative.
“If anyone wonders why I didn’t declare a conflict of interest, it’s because I don’t have one,” he said. “I’m fully with this project, and I think we’re doing the right thing.”
Ryan Lewis is based in Marion County. Contact him at ryanlewis34@gmail.com.