The controversy over the $8 fee and the WWTA has brought other things to light that concern me more than the increase. The Authority is trying to get around the law that does not allow them to make property owners pay for repairs that are not on their property. They actually want the power to force a homeowner to pay for leaks under public streets and rights of way.
They have hired an expensive lobbyist who is a former state senator to try to get the law changed. The law was put into effect by former state representative Arnold Stulce. This action and expense taken by the WWTA is just 'wrong'.
Another concern of mine is that the WWTA is not trying to expand sewers into existing neighborhoods. They are primarily interested in new subdivisions and developments such as large apartment complexes. I think the long-time homeowners and taxpayers should have the promise of getting sewers so they wouldn't have to continue the expense of repairing old septic systems and grease traps.
The Authority is planning on placing the new fee on residents of Soddy-Daisy, which has a relatively new sewer system but not on any other "new" customers. This is just unfair in all respects, but if the new systems in Soddy-Daisy are going to have to pay the fee then all "new" customers should pay. The money raised could then be dedicated to expansion of sewers into existing neighborhoods.
I have never been a fan of these so-called "Authorities" and this time I am inclined to believed that we have now reached the point of one authority too many.
Don Loftis