Wilson County board directs review of Water Authority's governance and compliance issues

A heated discussion unfolded at the Tennessee Board of Utility Regulation meeting on March 13, 2025, centering on the Water and Wastewater Authority of Wilson County. The meeting spotlighted a complaint from a local resident, Mr. Young, who urged the board to require the authority to adopt bylaws and rules of procedure as mandated by Tennessee law.

Mr. Young expressed frustration over the authority's lack of governance structures, stating, "The authority doesn't have bylaws or rules of procedure," which he argued undermines transparency and accountability. He emphasized that the absence of these guidelines has eroded community trust, particularly given the authority's history of noncompliance with state deadlines.

In response, Chris Luber, the executive director of the authority, acknowledged receipt of the complaint but requested time to address the inaccuracies he believed were present. He called for board staff to visit the authority to work through the issues raised.

After extensive dialogue, the board agreed on a course of action. They directed staff to ensure the Water and Wastewater Authority of Wilson County complies with all necessary statutory regulations and to report back by August 29, 2025. This decision aims to address the governance concerns raised by Mr. Young and restore confidence in the authority's operations.

The board's commitment to oversight reflects a growing recognition of the need for structured governance in rapidly expanding communities like Wilson County. As the board moves forward, the anticipated outcomes could pave the way for improved transparency and accountability in local utility management.