More funds being raised to help customers

More funding will soon be available to help Carroll County Electric Department (CCED) customers experiencing financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

During the Jan. 28 meeting of the CCED Board, general manager Danny Brawner advised the board that over $4,800 has been donated so far by local businesses and individuals, including a recent $2,000 donation by Granges, to go toward the TVA Community Care Fund.

Brawner said that TVA will be matching locally raised funds up to $10,000 as part of a second round of assistance to help struggling CCED customers pay their electric bills.

CCED financial officer Ryan Drewry said that there is still room for another $5,100 in donations that, if received, would be matched by TVA.

Drewry also said that there hasn’t been any dramatic increase in customers unable to pay their bills lately.

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In other business:

•Brawner advised the board that TEC is nearing completion of phase one in the ongoing project to expand fiber cabling and high-speed internet access to portions of the county. He also said that TEC has qualified for a grant for the second phase of the project.

•Drewy informed the board that the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) is still not done with the actuary study to determine cost options for providing CCED customers with retirement benefits through TCRS.

•Brawner said that the two bucket trucks that were ordered back in May of last year should be delivered some time in February.

•Discussion was held regarding the recent death of CCED warehouseman Gary Selph. Brawner said he had flowers sent to the family on the board’s behalf, and the CCED gave a $280 donation to the Never Quit Foundation in Mr. Selph’s memory.

•The next meeting was set for 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 25 at the Carroll County Chamber of Commerce.