Utility Training

Utility Training

The Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury requires utility board training for certain municipal elected officials under Tennessee Code Annotated (TCA) § 7-34-115(j)(1):

Tenn. Code Ann. § 7-34-115(j)(1). provides that a governing body of a municipal or county utility system “that supervises, controls, or operates a public water or public sewer system, including, but not limited to, those systems using a separate utility board pursuant to any public or private act, must meet the training requirements” set out in the statute.

Utility Training Requirements

  1. Initial Training: Each board member must complete 12 hours of utility training within 12 months of their initial appointment or election to the board.
     
  2. Continuing Education and Training: After completing the initial 12 hours of training, each board member must complete 6 hours of continuing education within three years. MTAS recommends completing two(2) hours of training per year. This keeps training requirements top-of-mind and supports ongoing proficiency in utility governance related matters.

    Tenn. Code Ann. § 7-34-115(j)(2)-(3)(B).

These requirements are detailed on the Comptroller’s website.

NOTE: Board members should be familiar with utility training requirements. MTAS does not track or maintain board member progress towards their utility training requirement. As a training provider, MTAS provides documentation of completed training only. MTAS training that best aligns with utility board training will be identified.

Board members are responsible for maintaining documentation of completed training and continuing education. The Comptroller’s Office provides an annual training statement to make documenting utility training easier. Board members should provide a copy to their municipality and keep the original for their records. As a best practice, MTAS recommends utility board members aim to complete four hours per year to satisfy the continuing education requirement.

5 Things Utility Board Members Should Know

MTAS Training Opportunities

MTAS provides several training opportunities that may be approved for utility training. To view current offerings, visit our training calendar. For questions about upcoming MTAS utility training opportunities, contact Yolanda Dillard, MTAS Training Consultant.

Online Training

The Comptroller’s Office provides more than 12 hours of free, self-paced online training. This training can only be completed one-time for either initial or continuing education requirements. For questions about their online training, contact the Comptroller’s Office at (615) 747-5260 or utilities@cot.tn.gov.