By Shannon McFarlin News Director
Paris, Tenn.—Addressing the Paris Board of Public Utilities (BPU) as part of what he’s calling his “Farewell Tour” before he retires, long-time BPU Employee George Combs thanked board members and officials for their kindnesses while he’s been employed.
At Tuesday’s busy board meeting, Combs said, “For the past 44 years, BPU has been my life. I’ve been a BPU man. BPU has been more than just a job for me. It’s been family.”
Combs noted he has worked for former General Managers Jimmy Huffman, Charles Perry and John Etheridge “and now for Terry Wimberley, too. It makes me proud when people know that I work for BPU.”
Board Chairman David Flowers said, “I’m pleased and proud to know you. You work for both BPU and Commercial Bank and I’ve known you at both places.”
–In other business, the board authorized filing of the BPU’s recently-completed Broadband Business Plan with the State Comptroller’s office for review and comment. Comptroller review is required by state law and is another step in the overall process as BPU considers whether to enter into the broadband business.
A survey was conducted to gauge public interest and the Broadband Business Plan developed by Kim Kersey Consulting Services has been complete. Feedback from the Comptroller’s office is expected within 60 days of submittal.
Flowers noted, “This is not a commitment by us. This just starts the clock on the process.:
Kersey will present a more detailed report at the BPU September meeting.
–The board also approved a Generator Financing Program which is comparable to the HVAC Loan Program which already is available through BPU. The program will allow residential customers a low interest financing solution for installation of generators.”
A separate article on the Generator Financing Program itself will be published this afternoon.
–The board accepted the low bid for Phase 1B wastewater treatment plant improvements. Wimberley said Phase 1B consists of these major elements: removal and disposal of sludge from the existing lagoon; furnish and install a liner in the existing lagoon; site piping; miscellaneous electrical work.
The accepted bid was from Haren Construction Co. of Etowah for $1,042,000. The Haren company also were the contractors for Phase 1. The other bid was received from Barsto Construction of Huntingdon for $1,390,705.
–The board approved an update to the Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Act plan which was first established by BPU in 2005. The updated agreement includes minor changes to the plan.
–The board also approved a motion to utilize Public Entity Partners (formerly known as TML) for business insurance.
Photo: Combs addresses the board as Business Manager Charlie West and Director of Water and Wastewater Operations Tony Brown look on. (Shannon McFarlin photo).
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