Decatur, Benton Counties' North Utility District Board to Meet Feb. 16

The North Utility District of Decatur and Benton County will hold a public Board of Commissioners meeting at 4:00 p.m. Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, at the district office, located at 6448 Hwy 641 N. The meeting is an official public notice; the full agenda was not included in the searchable snippet.

The district’s website invites public participation with the literal phrasing: "How can I get involved? Our Water Board meets on the third Monday night of each month at 4:00 PM at the utility office, which is located at 6448 Hwy 641 N. Please feel free to participate in these meetings." Residents should note the site’s phrasing lists 4:00 PM, even as it describes the meeting as a "night" meeting. The public notice does not specify whether remote participation will be available.

Water-quality and public‑health items are likely to be material for discussion. The utility reports that "A Lead Service Line Inventory has been completed for our system and is accessible by contacting our office during regular business hours." Customers concerned about lead are directed to call Michael Hamm at 731-847-3838 to request the inventory or to arrange water testing. The site cautions that "Lead in Drinking Water Lead can cause serious health effects in people of all ages, especially pregnant people, infants (both formula-fed and breastfed), and young children" and notes that "North Utility District of Decatur & Benton Counties is responsible for providing high quality drinking water and removing lead pipes but cannot control the variety of materials used in the plumbing in your home." Practical flushing guidance appears on the site in fragmentary form: "by running your tap, taking a shower, doing laundry or a load of dishes. If you have a lead service line or galvanized requiring replacement service line, you may need to flush your pipes for a longer period."

Governance details available from the district indicate commissioners serve fixed terms and that local elected officials play a role in filling vacancies. "The Commissioners of North Utility District of Benton and Decatur Counties Tennessee serve four-year terms. Vacancies on the Board of Commissioners are filled by appointment by the Benton and Decatur County Mayors from a list of three nominees certified by the Board of Commissioners to the Benton and Decatur County Mayors to fill a vacancy." The district also notes that "Decisions by the Board of Commissioners on customer complaints brought before the Board of Commissioners under the District's customer complaint policy may be reviewed by the Utility Management Review Board of the [...]" The truncated passage signals a review avenue but requires follow up for full regulatory detail.

County-level funding context remains relevant. Benton County commissioners passed a resolution on June 21, 2021, that states in part: "NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, By the Board of Commissioners of Benton County, Tennessee assembled in regular session on this the 21st Day of June 2021 that the full legislative body supports and commits to designating funds received from the American Rescue Plan Act in the amount of $500,000 as a contribution to the North Utility District to be paid out in Fiscal Year 2022 or when funding comes available in order to go towards the water upgrades and expansion for the south end of Benton County." That resolution is recorded as RESOLUTION NO. 20210621-07 and lists Benton County Mayor Brett Lashlee and commissioners Angie Hern, Don Patton and Ward Plant as sponsors. Public records and county offices should be contacted to confirm whether those funds have been disbursed and what projects, if any, proceeded.

For residents, tomorrow’s meeting is a moment to seek clarity on projects, timelines and public-health protections. If you cannot attend in person, call Michael Hamm at 731-847-3838 for information on participation options, to request the lead inventory, or to arrange testing. Board action on capital projects and lead-line replacement will shape service and costs for customers in Decatur and the south end of Benton County in the months ahead.