Selmer Rounds Up Utility Bills for Education Cost
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Selmer officials said a proposed program could bring more than $45,000 a year for education cost. Mayor David Robinson of Selmer said the money will come from utility customers. Selmer residents’ utility bill would be rounded up to the nearest whole dollar. With an estimated 7,600 customer in the area, the estimated $45,500 would be split between two programs. One would provide scholarships for qualified McNairy County students pursuing post-secondary education in the state of Tennessee. Half of the money would fund a computer program which would put laptops in McNairy County schools for each student. “As you know our county as far as the per capita income is not real high. So any help we can give the citizens to help our citizens to help their children go to school will be good,” said Alderman Paul Simpson of Selmer. Officials said an educated workforce would bring more industry to the area. Some Selmer residents said they like the proposal. “No, I certainly won’t miss it. I would rather write even number check anyway,” said Selmer resident, John Badcock. Mayor Robinson said the proposal would have to go before the Selmer Board of Alderman for a vote. He said any resident who does not want to participate in the program could notify the Selmer Utility Department and opt out of the program.
