Letter to the Editor
Dear Editor,
I attended the HSUD
receivership hearing in Marshall County on Aug. 12. As a concerned citizen and rate payer I have a vested interest in the financial and operational health of HSUD and the City of Holly Springs. After listening to the attorney’s arguments and Judge Little’s responses I understand why he chose Michael Watson as the receiver. In my opinion, this was the best outcome for the City of Holly Springs/HSUD, PSC, TVA, and rate payers within the HSUD service area.
HSUD is not out of the woods yet, however there is light at the end of the tunnel. Adhering to the Judge’s decision, providing reports, making efforts in earnest to repay TVA, and show measurable results addressing customer complaints outlined in the PSC report will affirm the decision to appoint Mr. Watson. Not doing these things in a timely manner could prompt Judge Little to choose another receiver.
There are things that we can do to help as concerned citizens and rate payers.
1. We need to require that the City/HSUD communicate to the public what is being done to fix HSUD, address PSC customers complaints, and pay TVA. The public needs to know our concerns are being addressed, we need to know your plan, we need to know what efforts you are making to serve us.
2. What is the plan for the rate increase? What improvements can we expect from HSUD? We know the who and the why, but we don’t know how the money is going to be used, and where it is going to be spent, and when.
3. Citizenship means responsibility. The PSC and TVA are funded by our tax dollars. The PSC and TVA have issued their complaints, now what are they going to do to help? We need to ask the PSC and TVA what resources they are going to provide to help HSUD?
When HSUD started, citizens worked together to bring utilities to their community. We cannot change the past, but we can build our future by working together and holding each other accountable. Everyday utility services are successfully delivered to citizens across our country. It can be the same here.
Sincerely, Wayne C. Jones
A Concerned Citizen and Rate Payer