January 15, 2006

David Hudson, a resident of Executive Meadows, also attended the council meeting to inform the board of a local contractor he alleged was stealing water. Hudson claimed he had seen Councilman Eddie Simpson use water from a fire hydrant to wash a street. Hudson said he "couldn't even get the police to make a report."

Simpson did not deny using the water, saying he had a meter he usually used but neglected to do so on this occasion.

According to LCUB General Manager Fred Nelson, Simpson came to the office to inform him he had used the water without metering it. Nelson said he told Simpson he "wasn't going to treat him any different" than anyone else, charging Simpson a $250 tampering fee. Nelson said the complaint received by LCUB alleged Simpson used approximately one-half hour of water. Simpson agreed to pay for an hour's worth of water in addition to the fine.

Lenoir City Mayor Matt Brookshire said, in relation to the incident, "as far as I'm concerned that's been taken care of through LCUB." News Herald 1-15-06