[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6635232,"mediaKeyId","2644304-f717760eecd7e3e4459f395b7a9e9464","parentId",2644304,"title","TBOR opens administrative review into Sevier County Utility District after DOI investigation and indicted manager","audioSeconds",725,"startMs",6215000,"endMs",6940000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2644304-f717760eecd7e3e4459f395b7a9e9464&start=6215&end=6940","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2644304-f717760eecd7e3e4459f395b7a9e9464/thumbnail_6215000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6635232/Tennessee/TBOR-opens-administrative-review-into-Sevier-County-Utility-District-after-DOI-investigation-and-indicted-manager","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6635232-339293f0e7c85c3003cf85e53d871144/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450780&Signature=lbLaCjYZFoHllenfpImwT5erGBsRHADJ0fYWIRt9di11jjYI9qtsIcMQLDqrDGHTvm1bu-YfX9Fxnh6nVd1CkvFm2pHinoeH9YzNagMYK-ePcA6Hy~9HUWTLOLj9osLphdY8YNcCwfaNq4XGg0zGlCKjr8f2-FgTHdzMm~4w3MAazaaRkcSDmiWGB6DUJkb-W-vEuy9qURZ7IVnRrRqEgp6faoG~7xMlAx1x13kesE4WX1lPNHIFPiBhEcfJkT~yYySbKn4i4Jpccx9Zkd-XRul8BnS7E5ntuxd91UTaSUhK9s2Z4HBRa-iGEw6yDupHCglykUyDq-XBrO0yz98EEg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Comptroller of the Treasury","date","2025-03-15T04:39:56.73Z","article","The Tennessee Board of Utility Regulation on Thursday opened an administrative review into the Sevier County Utility District after a comptroller investigation and subsequent indictment of a former manager.

The comptroller division of investigations uncovered multiple irregularities in the utility’s accounting and operations, and the district’s former manager has been criminally indicted. Board members and staff told the TBOR that the earlier misconduct produced large losses and that board-level guardrails appeared inadequate.

Board discussion focused on whether the current governing board should be removed or disciplined. Some members argued that because the present commissioners were not on the board during earlier misconduct, a full contested-case hearing to remove members might be premature. Others said statewide public-interest considerations required a full review of how the board exercised fiduciary oversight.

After debate the TBOR voted to open an administrative review rather than proceed immediately to a contested-case hearing. The review will gather records and interviews to answer key questions including “what did board members know, and when?” and to identify governance changes needed to prevent recurrence. The board directed staff to complete the fact-finding and return to the TBOR with findings and recommendations by the next scheduled meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Tennessee Board of Utility Regulation - 3/13/25","oneSentenceSummary","Following a comptroller division of investigations report and an indictment of a former manager, the Tennessee board ordered an administrative review to determine whether current board members failed in oversight and what reforms are needed.","taxTitle","Comptroller of the Treasury, Deparments in Office of the Governor, Organizations, Executive, Tennessee","taxId",36971,"location","Tennessee","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6635237,"Board orders staff review after complaints about high water hardness at Gladeville Utility District",170,540000,710000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2644304-f717760eecd7e3e4459f395b7a9e9464&start=540&end=710","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2644304-f717760eecd7e3e4459f395b7a9e9464/thumbnail_540000.jpg","/articles/6635237/Tennessee/Board-orders-staff-review-after-complaints-about-high-water-hardness-at-Gladeville-Utility-District","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6635237-666986c9c51087fb852b8ab21a5d8312/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450780&Signature=e4MHW0vl7mKgwBk7Kf1Igp3W3oe3M3fRAh-KAZXKh8gSMqSltIVLaIPhHPElaBRBYWpopFWF8aqtsEUKfUrvBINOAsm70vEdvAwd07Ux7VIA0KIgAPiZTXNXFNmRktlUnEq8fE3oThQB9yhuUSc9S1bjOm~93ikUtHJb~RD~~iELeNRGRiFYeMjC5WzNuzq4nDQ35G9BUrk9j8z-R9vHSTlbXjeHvwQy2Uua2cCtKBCjO6mYttg8q1SFyWuUehhH3yclpnV1m-NpeJ~77rndVm3wWdbgGHICBozBrUN8JpHqtVtjnnVkWmqqy2~L2ux452Sgt5TfYPrbVcqB~fDL3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Tennessee Board of Utility Regulation on Thursday directed board staff to visit Gladeville Utility District and report back after hearing local representatives contend the district’s water hardness is unusually high.

Board staff said Gladeville customers reported hard water that prompted complaints to the district and to the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. Dewey Branstetter, representing the Gladeville board, told the TBOR that the system obtains groundwater from a geologic spring area and that TDEC had concluded the district was operating properly despite unusually hard water. Branstetter asked the board not to open a formal administrative review because water hardness is not a regulated standard and because Gladeville had not received direct complaints to the utility first.

Board staff recommended opening an administrative review to gather facts and spare the TBOR repeated complaints if the problem persists. Several TBOR members proposed a narrower course: instead of immediately placing the district in a formal administrative review and creating a potentially stigmatizing record, the board would direct staff to meet the utility, collect documentation, and report back at the next meeting. The board voted to direct staff to consult with Gladeville and return findings to the TBOR; staff retained the option to recommend a formal administrative review if the investigation identifies managerial, technical, or financial deficiencies.

Dewey Branstetter and Gladeville General Manager Eric Broomfield told the board the district routinely advises customers to install point-of-use softeners and said TDEC’s recent inspection found the district functioning within legal requirements. Board members said the staff visit would aim to resolve complaints efficiently and determine whether policy or operational changes are warranted.","After customer complaints about high water hardness and related service concerns, the Tennessee board directed staff to meet with Gladeville Utility District to investigate and report back to the board rather than open a formal administrative review.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6635241,"Board grants temporary relief in Nolensville irrigation leak dispute, directs staff follow-up",585,1237000,1822000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2644304-f717760eecd7e3e4459f395b7a9e9464&start=1237&end=1822","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2644304-f717760eecd7e3e4459f395b7a9e9464/thumbnail_1237000.jpg","/articles/6635241/Tennessee/Board-grants-temporary-relief-in-Nolensville-irrigation-leak-dispute-directs-staff-follow-up","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6635241-1957709e0e52879971f7cd65701ccad7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450780&Signature=G1PXiieeRMMPNgPFjUAwnDADcd0TKK5aBliLi8-Ai2pM7oF9kxC5SyuMjD6enFIm3MysIJMpWzDIRFPzsgWzRqVI0KRJXmDPGk5rUXwClSEZgkgBgWCDoUWW~PKqRIOvoyJINYPF4O0otSCxoaGV4BFqUHDBfQo4UemhGNq1KufRMK5uZjKEVXwbErl3sxcu6uimKgHSf0VbhPwC9RW057mET5NsvF-M5GTbyssBDeT8ThjAoWgojWxwkH9HJ1R70ZnOumdbvldjf45QltfSgOFBJYoqxwRqcjl9Eo0iDBsNSdTQ99ag~YQeFVwgVMe7~FY7F96cBSBQe9hwwrwQMg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Tennessee Board of Utility Regulation on Thursday sided with staff counsel and ordered Nolensville College Grove Utility District to freeze penalties assessed while a customer dispute over a large irrigation-related bill is pending.

Deanna Douglas told the board her irrigation line failed in January 2024; she said she did not receive or did not see the utility’s automated notices while traveling and that the leak ran for about a month, producing an exceptionally large bill. The district contended the leak was in the customer’s irrigation system, which its written leak-adjustment policy excludes from adjustments.

Nolensville’s attorney, Michael Wall, said the district followed its written policy and that the district offered Ms. Douglas payment plans, which she declined. Board staff told the board that prior practice at similar utilities usually treats irrigation leaks differently from potable-use leaks, because irrigation is discretionary and drives peak system sizing.

After discussion, the board voted to require the utility to waive or remove any fees, penalties or interest imposed after the date the customer submitted her informal hearing request to board staff; the utility may still collect charges for the water used unless otherwise negotiated. The order also included a staff recommendation that the utility revisit and, if appropriate, revise its leak-adjustment policy to reflect third-party leak coverage options such as ServLine and to improve customer notice practices.

The board also encouraged the utility and the complainant to reach a local settlement and authorized staff to close the case if the parties agree. Board members said the action was meant to protect a customer disputing a large charge while the complaint is resolved, without prejudging whether the base water charge is reasonable.","A Nolensville College Grove customer disputed a $13,000 bill tied to a long-running irrigation-side leak. The board ordered the utility to waive late penalties assessed after the date the customer filed the complaint and urged the utility to recheck its leak-adjustment policy; staff will monitor resolution.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6635245,"TBOR gives Lynnville deadline to finish audits, orders feasibility and rate study for merger review",8171,289000,8460000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2644304-f717760eecd7e3e4459f395b7a9e9464&start=289&end=8460","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2644304-f717760eecd7e3e4459f395b7a9e9464/thumbnail_289000.jpg","/articles/6635245/Tennessee/TBOR-gives-Lynnville-deadline-to-finish-audits-orders-feasibility-and-rate-study-for-merger-review","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6635245-aea8d0edf7ed786040620767bb3c5547/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450780&Signature=dTXCEeTqGO9FSCPw94VM~uUbAlK5NLsh7j8yMuU65Fv5QdokJp1-nOkJsvSshFLFmcXxMI3FwSDlL7gpRJ-YG6p0mvgrODG4mhxLaVZzG5kyDyrVXujOJjU3Gi0LMTt-s4tBT9l1spR-bgYcqkqPIjW-FBfopEoMlxXVh0vkzlGXyFpaZxrlTGmX0gcV0~lqhGXc3X5vHhKU8IQcxon2uTF4xhk~fRAdmQ9Zp6fSORk8DX5gGwCW74dMqQAX78kmDZBE7Hkwkx3yBSln2q2JH-rzeKaepTCJta~rKpkn2SDMLqqbEOvLgTjY8XBXEDbR5cbYk7CY4I0-Qa0tYpfmRA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Tennessee Board of Utility Regulation on Thursday ordered Lynnville to submit delinquent audits and complete a rate and feasibility study tied to proposed consolidation with nearby utilities.

Corey Gregory of Lynnville urged the board during public comment to protect Lynnville’s local control of its water utility while acknowledging years of underfunding and management shortfalls. He cited prior board directives and warned that Petersburg’s takeover by Fayetteville Public Utility in the past led to town stress.

Board staff reported Lynnville remains delinquent on multiple audits and has not completed a feasibility study that would show whether a merger with Fairview Utility District or another nearby provider is workable and how rates would change. Board members noted the town’s audits must be current before a fair review can proceed.

The board voted to require that Lynnville submit its missing audits to board staff by May 31, 2025. Board staff ordered a contract for a combined rate study and feasibility study to be completed and delivered to the board by Dec. 31, 2025; staff may grant up to two three-month extensions for good cause. The board recorded that the studies should evaluate merger options with Fairview and other neighboring systems and include projected customer rates.

Board staff said the deadline structure will allow the board to revisit the matter at a future meeting once financial records and a feasibility analysis are available.","After public comment from Lynnville residents, the board set firm deadlines for the town to file delinquent audits and to complete a rate/feasibility study about a possible merger with Fairview and other utilities.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6635250,"Tennessee utility board orders mediation after developer denied sewer access by City of Memphis",1447,2528000,3975000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2644304-f717760eecd7e3e4459f395b7a9e9464&start=2528&end=3975","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2644304-f717760eecd7e3e4459f395b7a9e9464/thumbnail_2528000.jpg","/articles/6635250/Tennessee/Tennessee-utility-board-orders-mediation-after-developer-denied-sewer-access-by-City-of-Memphis","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6635250-af13bf1c6e666045601bec75ff687565/orig.mp4?Expires=1770450780&Signature=eFjKrAtL7HeHsdtLFdNcmQcB6zsIyQ~v1hSjHsQMIcVRtvj3fOuajUAlMW-6FRVtlPjpCFpX9RojGu2ZYw-8N3kGRIe0R16O5W3gAQzUJzliMvXZfEQgMdszrI8fG-m2VMe6L7RSB-~rbnHW6c~~ptOHnhzGBLnCzL59wTsr1lFR5M4m4DBQUGJK5SVsRotNdhBtEhMzOT9Tn2Ulj~KzoDUCPG1weXwkSW6PMlTFmLxLTZTwp59kipbfm1FC62Mo0xGwCBOlH9wroI2ZHWKqHKZhkG4VuoEJZx6nZgTIoo4utkE4cuN0SjP85tb521jqMT4mOGH-22QeKZBFyO7MMw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Tennessee Board of Utility Regulation on Thursday directed staff to arrange informal mediation after a Memphis-area developer, Joe Jarrett, asked the board to force the City of Memphis to allow sewer access to his commercial property.

Jarrett told the board his partners own 110 acres zoned for commercial development near Walnut Grove and Houston Levee and that a sewer easement and force mains cross the property. He said the city has denied a gravity connection even though nearby projects have been allowed to access the same Grays Creek sewer system. “It’s not fair,” Jarrett said, noting other nearby developments were granted access.

City attorney Cece Drayton and Scott Morgan, Memphis public works director, told the board Memphis has authority under state law to decide where it extends sewer service and that the property lies, in their view, primarily in the Marys Creek basin. Drayton said the city council in 2013 declined to construct the Marys Creek interceptor, and that the city is not required to extend sewer outside its boundaries. Morgan said the force mains in the area may be at capacity and that the city follows a basin-based policy for gravity sewer expansion.

Board staff asked whether the parties could meet to try to reach a negotiated solution. The board voted to direct staff to set up informal, in-person mediation between Jarrett (the complainant) and Memphis public-works staff, with a deadline of Aug. 29, 2025, for the parties to report back. The order requires the parties to try to resolve the dispute in good faith and allows staff to close the matter if the parties reach a local settlement; if mediation fails, the board said it may consider further action, up to issuing an order about extension of service.

Jarrett told the board he and his engineers have proposed gravity and pump-station options and said the development would bear the construction cost if a connector is required. Memphis officials said a viable option might be to reach a nearby 60-inch gravity interceptor at the west side of Grays Creek, but that would require a standard improvements contract and city-council approval.

The board emphasized the mediation is intended to give both sides a chance to explore technical and contractual solutions before the board considers a formal order.","A Shelby County developer told the Tennessee Board of Utility Regulation the City of Memphis is blocking a gravity sewer connection across his property. The board directed staff to arrange informal mediation between the developer and Memphis and set a deadline for talks.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

TBOR opens administrative review into Sevier County Utility District after DOI investigation and indicted manager

Board orders staff review after complaints about high water hardness at Gladeville Utility District

Board grants temporary relief in Nolensville irrigation leak dispute, directs staff follow-up

TBOR gives Lynnville deadline to finish audits, orders feasibility and rate study for merger review

Tennessee utility board orders mediation after developer denied sewer access by City of Memphis