Budget Committee to meet with Watershed Authority at later date on Wheel Tax issue

The Carroll County Watershed Authority met in session April 28 through a conference call, but without the Carroll
County Legislative Body’s Budget Committee being a part of the call as was originally scheduled. The discussion
was to have been centered around the $10-wheel tax that goes to the Carroll County 1,000 Acre Recreational Lake.
County Mayor Joseph Butler informed the Authority earlier in the day that the Budget Committee had decided to
delay their involvement in the meeting. Butler related that the committee felt it would be better to wait until a face to
face discussion could be held.
During the meeting, Rick Jahnke, who resides on the lake, joined the conference call to ask questions in reference
to the lake.
He wanted to know what are and what are not permitted uses in the 50-foot buffer zone around the lake by those
who are not owners of an adjacent property.
Board member Dale Kelley pointed out the buffer zone belongs to the Watershed Authority, but allows the
property owner adjacent to the buffer zone access to the water. The Authority in conjunction with the Tenn. Dept. of
Environment and Conservation has regulations on how the land can be developed.
“These regulations were established to protect the water qualify and prevent erosion,” said Kelley. “They protect
the land owners. Individuals other than property owners should not be on the buffer zone and have no rights.”
Jahnke asked if signage could be added at sites where a road dead ends at the lake to let lake visitors know what is
and is not permitted or expected at these locations.
Kelley said “No trespassing” signs should be visible in these areas. Visitors are not permitted in these locations.
Trash being discarded by lake visitors is a problem where Reedy Creek Road dead ends into the lake, according to
Jahnke. He asks the Watershed Authority to consider placing trash receptacles or arranging for periodic litter pick-
up at such locations.
“Since visitors should not be accessing these areas, we feel it would be best not to place trash receptacle which
might encourage visitors,” said Kelley. “In the past, we have had volunteers clean lake property, and we always
direct them to Reedy Creek Road as it is the worst.”
Jahnke asks about updating the lake’s rules and regulations since they were last revised eight years ago prior to
the lake opening. He recommended that they be updated.
“I would be happy to provide examples and input into such an effort”, he said.
Kelley told him to provide the discrepancies in writing and send them to the Authority’s secretary Kim Carter and
they would be reviewed.
Jahnke also wanted to know how Watershed board members are chosen or elected and if they have set terms. He
also advised that the thought it would be a good idea for a lake property owner to be on the board.
Kelley said the board members are appointed by the governor for six
In other business, Watershed Authority members:
• agreed to enter into an agreement with Alexander, Thompson, Arnold (ATA) for the Fiscal Year 2020 audit
contract for $6,720 plus an additional fee of $3,750 in the event that an audit that an audit in accordance with the
Uniform Guidance if deemed necessary. This base amount is $195 more than the previous year.
• accepted the proposal presented by Carter Carey for his Eagle Scout project for the construction of a 12’ x 22’
deck which would be as an added seating area adjacent to the concession area and a stage for live music events.
• set the next monthly meeting as may 6 at 2 p.m.