Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Board Appointments Electric Utility topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Commission reappoints Phil Melton to electric board amid questions about mayoral influence
Summary
The commission approved Mayor Mark Ward’s nomination to reappoint Phil Melton to the Benton County Electric System Board after debate over perceptions of favoritism and a letter from a utilities employee supporting the reappointment.
Mayor Mark Ward brought a resolution to reappoint Phil Melton to the Benton County Electric System Board for a four‑year term. The mayor and other supporters said Melton has strong operational knowledge and has been a consistent, present board member; a written letter from Scott Owens endorsing Melton was circulated prior to the vote.
Some commissioners raised concerns about whether appointing the same commissioner repeatedly creates a perception of reward or weakened oversight. Commissioner Floyd and others asked whether the mayor’s reappointment could be perceived as a reward tied to budget influence. Supporters responded that Melton’s experience and attendance justified reappointment and that the Tennessee Code Annotated requires a member of the governing body to serve on the utility board.
After public discussion, the commission voted to carry the resolution and reappoint Melton. The meeting record shows the resolution carried; no further procedural action was requested at that time.
