Water Commission approves sewer rate increase
Norris plans to raise sewer rates to help pay for sewer-system improvements and updates mandated by Tennessee environmental officials. The first project in the plan got underway in this area along East Norris Road in mid-July, and is causing some temporary road closures, as shown here on Friday, Aug. 15.. - G. Chambers Williams III
The Norris Water Commission gave its approval Monday night to a $20-a-month increase in the basic residential sewer rate in $5 increments over a one-year period, beginning Dec. 1, to help finance mandated upgrades to the system. Even so, the plan won’t take effect until the City Council approves it in an ordinance, which will need to be passed on two readings, with a public hearing in between. The ordinance is likely to move forward almost automatically, as the five-member Water Commission is composed of the same five members as the City Council. It would likely be on the agenda for the Oct. 11 regular council meeting, City Manager Adam Ledford told the commissioners. The new charge will be listed separately on utility bills as for “required sewer upgrades.” It will cost residents $240 a year extra when fully implemented. Residents would see the first $5 increase on their Dec. 1 utility bills, followed by an additional $5 every three months through Sept. 1, 2026. That would raise the base sewer rate from the current $55.01 a month for the first 2,000 gallons to $60.01 on Dec. 1, $65.01 on March 1, $70.01 on June 1, and $75.01 on Sept. 1. Usage in excess of 2,000 gallons a month would continue to be billed at $9.44 per 1,000 gallons for the next 7,000 gallons, then $12.48 per 1,000 gallons beyond the first 9,000 gallons.
Read More‘Cars for Canines’ raises about $7,000 for shelter animals
Taking a break during Saturday’s Cars for Canines event in Oak Ridge were these visitors, Kay Ferrara, Brizay Kane, and Terri Kane (with dog Joey), all of Oak Ridge, and Maggie Young (right), with her dog Draco, of Campbell County. - G. Chambers Williams III
The sixth-annual “Cars for Canines” event at Melton Lake Park in Oak Ridge on Saturday raised about $7,000 to help support animal-care facilities, according to the sponsor, Explore Oak Ridge. There were 180 vintage or collector cars on hand for the car show, and about 5,000 people turned out to see them and to check out the 35 vendors who set up in the park, said Hanna Fatheree, event coordinator for Explore Oak Ridge. “We are still estimating final totals, but hope to donate $7,000 between the Anderson Humane Society and the Friends of the Oak Ridge Animal Shelter,” she said. Besides the cars and vendors, “We had two food trucks, Mel-Dars Deluxe Pups and Shirley Boys Country Cooking, plus Sno Biz Oak Ridge for cold treats,” she said. “We also had live music, door prizes and free face painting for kids.”
Read MoreNew park funding
The Tennessee Valley Authority is paying for a new park to replace the Kids’ Palace and Claxton Community Park in a different location. The Anderson County Commission voted Aug. 16 to accept $250,000 from TVA for a new park in the Claxton community on Edgemoor Road. Commissioners also accepted $50,000 from TVA for Lost Bottom Park on Ridgeview Drive. The measure passed unanimously, although Commissioners Tracy Wandell and Robert McKamey were absent. Mayor Terry Frank said after the meeting that the county had not yet decided on a location for the new park, but it will be in Claxton. She noted that TVA had delayed providing the money because of issues related to Hurricane Helene. TVA has also agreed to demolish the Claxton Community Park’s Kids’ Palace playground after concerns arose about ash from the nearby, recently closed Bull Run Fossil Plant. Duke University, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, and the Tennessee Department of Health confirmed the ash’s presence.
Read MoreLynch reports $1 million milestone
Anderson County Circuit Court Clerk Rex Lynch announced that his office collected more than $1 million in court-related revenue during the 2024-25 fiscal year. It was the first time in 13 years that collections surpassed the million-dollar mark. Since Lynch took office, total court revenue collections have increased by 62 percent, which he attributed to focused leadership and operational improvements. A major factor, he said, was the creation of a dedicated Collections Department, led by Maura Vespie. The department works with court staff to ensure defendants are aware of their financial obligations and supported in meeting them through structured payment agreements. “Creating the Collections Department was a turning point for our office,” Lynch said. “My staff has done an outstanding job working with our team to increase compliance, improve communication, and make the process more effective and respectful for everyone involved.” The collected funds,which include court costs, fines, fees and restitution, support Anderson County’s justice system, public safety and victim services. Lynch also praised the work of his staff. “This achievement wouldn’t be possible without the dedication and professionalism of our staff,” he said. “They’ve embraced change, worked hard every day and stayed focused on serving the people of Anderson County.” Lynch said the collections highlighted a year of exceptional performance.
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Water Commission approves sewer rate increase Read More
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New park funding Read More
Little Ponderosa Zoo to host ‘Low Sensory Evening’ Sept. 4 Read More
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‘Cars for Canines’ raises about $7,000 for shelter animals Read More
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