Trousdale County facility staff told the board Nov. 25 that the design for a new water treatment plant is underway and that the utility should seek eligibility on the State Revolving Fund (SRF) solicitation list to preserve financing options for construction.

Staff described a preliminary project estimate of about $20,000,000 for a plant sized in the 3–5 million gallon range and said that SRF currently indicates interest rates near 4.14% for projects in the solicitation. Staff warned that SRF participation carries post-approval rate-setting and documentation requirements; USDA financing was discussed as an alternative that typically offers longer terms but different conditions (including Buy America rules and construction draw requirements).

Board members asked about the impact on customer bills. Staff offered a rough estimate—about $27.70 per customer per month in a worst-case scenario if the county borrowed the full project cost with limited grant support—and said that being on the SRF list does not commit the county to construct the project but preserves eligibility. The board moved to proceed with the SRF application process and to engage potential lenders; the motion carried by voice vote.