JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
The Board of Mayor & Commissioners for Marion County have recently agreed to a resolution regarding the redirection of non-competitive funds for Grundy County’s Water Treatment Plant Project.
County Attorney William Gouger explained that Grundy County officials have made the resolution to request permission to use $191,250 in funds from Marion County, to go towards Grundy County’s Water Treatment Plant Project via a newly established interlocal agreement. The funds were first approved in a previous agreement between both counties in 2022, when the county board agreed to loan Grundy County the funds needed for their ongoing Foster Falls Project. The project pertains to updating a water booster pump station located near Foster Falls.
The Foster Falls booster pump station was originally operated by the Foster Falls Utility District, which at the time served as an individual entity until it was eventually absorbed by Tracy City Water Works. Gouger stated the county felt the funds would financially benefit the Water Treatment Plant Project, as the Foster Falls Project would instead be paid out-of-pocket by Grundy County. The Water Treatment Plant Project aims to improve water-based infrastructure within nearby Grundy County.
“This will benefit the Sequatchie Mountain and Foster Falls area of Marion County, which is completely dependent on Tracy City’s water system for its water supply,” stated Gouger.
Commissioner Ruric Brandt questioned whether any specifications are in the newly established resolution, which Gouger noted the redirection is permitted as long as Grundy County utilizes the funds specifically for the Water Treatment project.
The board ultimately agreed to the resolution proposed during the meeting, with the funds to be reallocated towards the Water Treatment Plant Project in neighboring Grundy County.