Bedford County committee approves routine items, defers wastewater resolution and forwards road change to full commission

BEDFORD COUNTY, Tenn. — The Bedford County Rules & Legislative Committee on March 11 approved several routine recommendations to place items on the full commission’s April 8 agenda, heard monthly reports, and set further study on a proposed local ban on residential decentralized wastewater systems (commonly called “step systems”).

Actions and forwarding motions - The committee voted to place the committee’s Feb. 18, 2025 minutes and other routine items on the county commission agenda for April 8, 2025. - County Clerk Donna Thomas requested and the committee approved placing notary applicants on the April 8 agenda. - The veterans services report for February was accepted; the committee recorded 51 veterans office visits and 44 veteran transports in February. - The committee noted community clinic reports for February showing 58 medical patients and 89 dental patients; those monthly reports were received for informational purposes. - Highway Superintendent Mark Clanton submitted a road-list change: Frank Martin Road (Midland Road to city limits) revised from 0.96 miles to 0.37 miles; the committee voted to place the updated road listing on the commission agenda for formal approval.

Reports and presentations - Commissioner Anderson summarized the AgCenter report: finance staff had identified several structures that were incorrectly listed on the county insurance schedule; county staff removed four non-existent or third‑party outbuildings from the insurance list, which commissioners said could reduce premiums. Anderson also said a grant had been approved to install pollinator habitat and educational walkways at the AgCenter that could support future school field trips. - A representative from EDP Renewables, identified in the meeting as Jack Denny, was introduced to the committee; commissioners were told EDP Renewables is visiting the area to discuss potential solar projects. The representative spoke briefly and did not present a formal agenda item.

Decentralized wastewater systems ("step systems") A proposed resolution that would prohibit new residential decentralized wastewater systems was introduced and set for further review. Committee members requested time to study the draft resolution and seek input from plumbers, building-supply businesses, realtors and contractors; the item was deferred for 30 days for discussion at the next meeting. Commissioners noted the draft resolution would not apply to non‑residential uses and that previously permitted projects would likely be grandfathered where applicable.

Next steps The committee deferred the wastewater-resolution debate and asked staff to circulate the draft resolution to relevant trades and stakeholders. The road-list update, notary applicants and minutes will be forwarded to the full Bedford County Commission agenda for formal votes on April 8.