BVU should become its own authority

In many ways, Bristol Virginia Utilities already operates as “an authority” – it has separate employees with separate payroll and benefits; it has a separate board of directors; but more importantly, it has separate funding sources – from ratepayers instead of taxpayers.
BVU is not a taxpayers’ supported department of the city. All its funds come from ratepayers, not only in the city but from Washington and Scott counties (and even a handful from Sullivan County, Tenn.) From its inception, BVU has been a multi-jurisdictional utility and with the advent of BVU’s OptiNet services, its geographical base is growing significantly.
One of the reasons for having the different utilities operate under a single administrative arrangement is to share common overhead expenses. It should be readily apparent that a larger customer base will be a win-win for all parties.
Any concern about the degree of control the elected officials of Bristol might be relinquishing is unfounded. Just as it does now, City Council will have significant representation on the authority board and will influence selection of the remaining membership.
BVU has been the catalyst and financier of most of the economic development actions for the city for several decades, and there is no logical basis for thinking the authority’s focus and direction would be any different. The agreement with the city states that the authority’s focus would continue indefinitely.
On analysis, the move to an authority will benefit all parties and should be universally supported.

Thomas E. Adams
Abingdon, Va.