Lawrence County Executive Opposes Leoma Utility Merger Amid Strong Community Sentiment

In a packed room at the Leoma Elementary School, community members gathered to voice their concerns about the potential merger of the Leoma Utility District with the Lawrenceburg Utility System. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as residents expressed their desire for local control over their water services, a principle they believe is fundamental to American democracy.

County Executive Ross Colonna opened the discussion by emphasizing the importance of self-governance. He argued that dissolving a local utility district without the consent of its residents undermines the very essence of local government. “We fought a revolution to gain the freedom to govern ourselves,” he stated, urging the board to grant the Leoma Utility District more time to implement necessary reforms. Colonna highlighted that approximately 1,500 families depend on the utility and deserve a voice in their governance.

The meeting featured a range of speakers, including Linden Smith, the district's contract distribution operator, who reassured the board of the utility's operational improvements. He detailed ongoing efforts to address water quality and infrastructure issues, including the installation of zone meters to monitor water loss. Smith's commitment to the community was evident as he described his hands-on approach to managing the utility's challenges.

Legal counsel for the utility district, Ben Gustell, reinforced the community's opposition to the merger, arguing that it would be harmful to the public. He pointed out that the overwhelming turnout at the meeting demonstrated a strong desire among residents to maintain their local utility. Gustell cited state law requiring the board to consider public sentiment before proceeding with any merger, asserting that the community's voice should not be ignored.

Despite the passionate arguments against the merger, some board members expressed concerns about the utility's financial sustainability and operational capacity. They noted the importance of completing overdue audits and implementing necessary rate adjustments to ensure the utility's viability.

As the meeting progressed, a motion was proposed to delay any merger decision until the utility could demonstrate compliance with several key requirements, including the completion of audits and a plan for addressing water retention issues. This motion reflects a compromise aimed at allowing the Leoma Utility District the opportunity to prove its commitment to improvement while addressing the board's financial concerns.

The outcome of this meeting will have significant implications for the residents of Leoma, who are eager to maintain control over their water services. As the board deliberates, the voices of the community remain at the forefront, reminding all involved of the fundamental principle of self-governance that lies at the heart of American democracy.