4/13/26 - Bradley County Commission Work Session

The Bradley County Commission held a work session on April 13, 2026, focusing primarily on utility management and budgetary issues. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to discussions with Ben Witt, the new general manager of Ocoee Utility District, regarding a mandated 150% increase in wastewater rates due to infrastructure challenges and compliance orders from the state comptroller. The utility district is addressing high water loss and exploring regional connections with neighboring utilities to manage costs and avoid excessive debt. The commission also discussed a new maintenance contract with Cleveland Utilities for LED lighting upgrades and repairs. Additionally, there was a detailed conversation about the potential use of opioid funds to purchase an ambulance, with the commission considering sending a formal letter to the state comptroller seeking clarity on allowable expenditures to avoid future reimbursement issues. The meeting included preliminary discussions on zoning regulations for data centers and cryptocurrency mining operations, emphasizing the need for regulatory frameworks to manage these emerging industries responsibly. Several budget-related items and upcoming hearings were also noted, but no formal votes on procurement were recorded during this session.