The Crossville Chronicle reports that the West Cumberland Utility District board, during a special-called session, consulted with Attorney Randy York, who previously represented Crab Orchard Utility District in its merger with the Cumberland Plateau Water Authority (CPWA), to explore a similar consolidation.

York noted that all employees would receive raises, though amounts remain undetermined, and West Cumberland’s four-year water contract with BonDeCroft Utility District would persist post-merger, potentially yielding lower rates due to CPWA’s expanded 17,000-customer base. Board President Brad Brown and member Wayne Blankenship highlighted how BonDeCroft’s pricing penalizes lower sales volumes, forcing the utility to absorb rate hikes over the past six years without passing costs to customers, a burden that may soon necessitate increases.

A consolidation agreement drafted by York stipulates CPWA would settle West Cumberland’s nearly $3 million debt within 60 days of merging, eliciting enthusiasm from attendee Charlie Threet, whose $145 monthly bill made the debt relief appealing. However, resident Monte Garrett expressed concerns over CPWA’s contract to buy up to a million gallons daily from Crossville for supply supplementation and sought evidence from the recent South Cumberland merger to confirm sustained low rates.

Brown reassured that water sourcing from BonDeCroft would continue unchanged initially, with CPWA handling debts and contracts.

The next meeting on October 21 at 6 p.m. will feature CPWA disclosing exact post-merger rates, eliminating speculation as promised by York.