Committee approves forwarding $10 million state sewer appropriation to Shelbyville Power and Water

The Bedford County Financial Management Committee voted to forward a $10,000,000 state appropriation to Shelbyville Power and Water so the utility can advance a planned sewer expansion. Commissioner Vick explained the state budget designated the money to Bedford County but the request originated with Shelbyville Power and Water; the committee moved and voted to send the appropriation on to the county commission for final action.

"Shelbyville Power made the request, not the county," Commissioner Vick said, adding the county would act as a conduit. He described the project as "phase 1" of a roughly $16,000,000 sewer expansion that will run along the 231 corridor and that Shelbyville Power will use the $10,000,000 as local match in pursuit of additional federal funding. Finance staff noted the allocation will appear on Bedford County's audit as a $10,000,000 in and a $10,000,000 out.

Committee members asked about oversight and audit responsibility; the finance representative said the county will record the receipts and disbursement on its books and further details about subrecipient responsibilities will be clarified as the state and implementing agencies define the arrangement. The committee approved the motion by voice vote with no opposition.

Next steps include the commission's formal acceptance and the transfer of funds to Shelbyville Power and Water so that utility can proceed with procurement and construction activities tied to the sewer project.