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Mayor Clark vows new sewer plant as he defends Lebanon’s role serving county facilities
Summary
Mayor Clark told the council Lebanon supplies sewer service to many county schools, the jail, fairgrounds and economic corridors and pledged that 'this sewer plant will be built' despite a recent Wilson County resolution opposing potential sites. Council and public commenters pressed for clarity on agreements and timelines.
Mayor Clark defended the city’s wastewater system on Tuesday and said the city will proceed with plans for a new sewer plant even after the Wilson County Commission voted to oppose some proposed locations.
"This sewer plant will be built," Mayor Clark said, arguing that Lebanon’s sewer system serves county facilities including Lebanon High School, Wilson Central High School, Southside, the Adult Learning Center, Barry Tatum Academy, county courthouse and jail complexes, the fairgrounds and properties along the corridor to the National Super Speedway. He noted that two schools outside city limits—Gladeville Elementary and Gladeville Middle—also use the city system and that the city previously agreed to extend sewer service to support large facilities.
The remark followed public comments from residents. Philip Donnell of Maple Hill Road told the council neighbors backing a 150-acre annexation would prefer a local sewer plant and the jobs it could bring to a large housing development, and said the Summit Development contract has shown limited progress. "I think we could make a deal," Donnell said, urging the council to consider a plant on Maple Hill Road.
Mayor Clark contrasted local tax burdens, saying the county tax rate is "$1.16" while Lebanon’s rate is "40 cents," and argued the city contributes significant infrastructure to county development. He also reminded the council of a prior city commitment to install sewer lines to the Rutherford County line for the raceway and of an agreement that allowed a school to pump and haul to the city plant while it resolved TDEC permitting.
Council members asked procedural questions about whether previously approved agreements—such as the service agreement for Central Pike Elementary—could be rescinded; the city attorney said rescission depends on whether terms legally bind the city and noted remedies include suspension of wastewater acceptance, disconnection of service, pursuit of damages or mutual termination. Council asked staff to follow up with specific contract language and to report back.
The mayor said a wastewater treatment plant selection committee will choose a site and proceed with acquisition. No formal council vote on siting occurred during the meeting; the council recorded comment and directed staff to provide additional contract detail and legal options next steps.
