LUB debates community contributi

Advertisements and sponsorships sparked debated during Loudon Utilities Board’s workshop Monday.

Ty Ross, utility manager, said LUB in the past would present advertisements and sponsorships in one list to be approved by the board as a line item. In recent years, however, the board has taken a different approach by individually approving each sponsorship as needed. Ross said the switch makes money easier to keep up with in the budget.

Board member Tim Dixon asked if there is a certain amount of annual donations.

Recent contributions have tracked at about $10,000 per year, Ross said.

Total advertisements and contributions proposed in the list presented is $12,545 and includes organizations like the Loudon County Chamber of Commerce, local media, Loudon County Habitat for Humanity, Foothills Federal Credit Union School Supply Drive and local schools.

Board member Carlie McEachern took issue with proposed contributions to the chamber and Loudon County Education Foundation at $2,500 and $500, respectively. He said sending 30% to “essentially the same place” didn’t seem right.

“I don’t know how many of those people buy power from us, but it just seems like we could benefit our customers more by maybe increasing some of these other donations, contributions,” McEachern said. “If we do the Foothills Credit Union school supplies, that might be an area. I just don’t like to see intercounty governmental associations contributing back and forth to one another. I will notice that I don’t think we’ve ever received one, but we do give them out to all the others. I just have a problem with that.”

Board chairman Don Campbell asked what would solve the issue.

“Well, like I said, to divvy up their portion amongst those that the rest of us think are worthy or just cut it out and hold it back for something that is more lucrative to our customers, our community,” McEachern said.

Board member Bart Watson asked for clarification on what the chamber donation goes toward.

“There is a chamber of commerce in most every city in America, and why do you give to a chamber of commerce? More than anything else, to demonstrate and facilitate cooperation,” Ross said. “That’s why you do it. There’s a dotted line link between chamber of commerce and business within our utility district as well as the growth of new business and economic development. It’s all interconnected, and you do it to show cooperation.”

Ross said the contribution is “all encompassing” to include membership dues, a table at the annual awards banquet and sponsorship of the golf tournament.

“As the mayor, I’d advocate for both of them as well,” Loudon Mayor Jeff Harris said. “I’m a member of both boards, and if you just look and see what the education foundation does for our schools, how much money they give away, it’s a great organization. I echo Ty’s comments about the chamber.”

McEachern asked Harris where LCEF gets funding.

“They don’t give it to anybody. Somebody gives it to them, and then they pass it out,” McEachern said.

LUB will vote Monday on approval of the contributions.