MARYVILLE, Tenn. – South Blount County Utility District, provider of clean drinking water to more than 14,000 homes, businesses and schools in Blount County, announced that it has approved to pay off outstanding bond debt, saving the District almost $400,000 in interest over the next 24 years. This came as the result of the Board of Commissioners and Management’s decision during a meeting this past December to apply District funds towards the $673,000 Waterworks Revenue Bond. The bond, issued by the United States Department of Agriculture/Rural Development in June of 2001, was used to assist in building new infrastructure for water mains in the county.
“We take pride in keeping operations costs at a minimum in order to provide our community with the best value and the highest level of service,” said A.L. Scott, district manager of South Blount County Utility District. “We are devoted to remaining good stewards of the District’s money so that our customers reap the rewards. In the 2014 fiscal year, our customers’ rates remained consistent with no increases to water sales.”
The water system has 16,275 connections and distributes to an estimated population of 40,688 throughout Blount County, Friendsville, and Louisville. The District’s service area covers 150 square miles and incorporates five decentralized wastewater systems.
“We will be saving a substantial amount of money annually that previously went towards bond payments,” said Scott. “The water mains throughout the county need continual upkeep and maintenance. With these cost savings, the District will be able to invest back into the infrastructure to continue providing timely, quality service to the community.”
South Blount County Utility District recently received an “Approved” rating of 99 percent from the State of Tennessee’s Department of Environment Conservation, scoring among the best in the state on the Sanitary Survey of Community Water Systems.
About South Blount County Utility District
South Blount County Utility District has been providing reliable water service to its customers since 1958. It started 50 years ago with only 1,300 customers. Today it serves more than 14,000 homes, businesses and schools in Blount County, Friendsville, and Louisville. The South Blount County Utility District service area covers 150 square miles and incorporates five decentralized wastewater systems. For more information on the South Blount County Utility District, visit www.southblountutility.com.