Writer Supports Plan To Turn Bristol Virginia Utilities Into An Authority

By: | TriCities.com
Published: October 11, 2009

I am in support of the proposal to turn Bristol Virginia Utilities into an authority. I think this is in the best interest of the city of Bristol, Va. The city is in dire financial circumstances, in part because of the economic downturn and the state not funding local government as it has in the past. The city’s debt is the major financial difficulty the city must overcome in the next few years.

I worry about the aging water and sewer system we have in Bristol. I have heard that EPA may start making cities like Bristol borrow the money and repair or replace these old lines. No one knows how many millions of dollars that would cost the city. I do not think the city can afford to borrow that kind of money, and I don’t think the citizens of Bristol can afford the taxes that would have to be passed to pay that kind of money back. That should be an obligation of the utility and will be if they are no longer part of the city.

BVU has customers all over the county, and I don’t think the citizens of Bristol should have to carry all of that debt alone anymore.

Jerry Hyatt

Bristol, Va.