McKenzie City to Consider Removing Fluoride

McKENZIE (January 8) — During a workshop, prior to the regular McKenzie City Council meeting, Water Superintendent Earnest Umstead spoke to the Council at length about the possibility of removing fluoride from the water system. Umstead explained the inefficiency of adding fluoride. According to studies, a concentration of less than 0.9 is not very effective; the max concentration allowed is 0.7, as recommended by the U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Also, by adding fluoride to the water, additional chemicals are needed to counteract the acidity. It was stated that fluoride is now more common in products such as toothpaste and mouthwash, and the necessity of fluoride in public water systems is less necessary.

At the end of the workshop, it was decided that the Council will take a vote in the February meeting to decide the fate of the fluoride.

During the regular meeting, property along Old Highway 22 and the Tower Road Subdivision was annexed. The property, owned by Samuel Davis (Tax Map 11P, Group C Parcels 3.00), which consists of approximately 1.4 acres outside the McKenzie’s corporate limits, was annexed at the owner’s request.

The annexation lead to Ordinance # 576 — providing a Municipal Zoning Plan for the annexed property to be coded as R-1 (low density). Resolution 26-001 — Adoption of a Plan of Service for the annexation. Currently, a proportion of the property is in the city limits, which in turn means the property already has possible access to water / sewer, police protection, fire protection, solid waste collection, street lighting, and street repair.

The Council agreed to the plans with the Parks Department to drain the pond at the city park. By breaching a levee wall, the pond could be drained, allowing for it to be dredged in order to deepen it in hopes of improving finishing and oxygenating the water. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) would help with the removal of fish and later restocking of the pond. A water feature would later be added.

The McKenzie High School Band, along with Band Director Daniel Capua, was presented a proclamation recognizing their “competitive spirit” and stellar season.

Also recognized with a resolution was former McKenzie Industrial Board Chairman Joel Washburn. Washburn was lauded for his 12 years of service and accomplishments on the board.

In department reports, it was noted that the Public Works / Street Department made repairs to a culvert on the Highway 79 end of David Street, and there are plans to make an additional repair further down in hopes of allowing for paving of the street.

Chief Brian Tucker stated the Fire Department received 57 calls in December with 30 calls of which were medical related. He added that in 2025, the department had 742 calls, with 435 calls related to medical.

The next meeting of the McKenzie City Council is on February 12.