The recent public comment session at the Martin County Sanitation Board meeting in Inez has highlighted a concerning incident that raises questions about transparency, accountability and the right of citizens to express their grievances.

Two residents, Tena Jarrell and Drewie Muncy, came forward to voice their dissatisfaction with the board, citing the fact that they have been paying for sewer services they never received. However, instead of addressing their concerns, one of the residents was abruptly silenced by the board chairman when he anticipated negative remarks about the sewer district.

Tena Jarrell, a resident within the Inez City limits, expressed her frustration at having paid a monthly bill for sewer service despite not being connected to the sewer system. She pointed out that she was compelled to hire a private company, Dirtyworks, to pump the septic holding tank on her camper. The board had instructed her to locate a septic tank allegedly on her property, which she and others failed to find. Alliance manager Craig Miller acknowledged the issue but deemed it a customer-side problem, suggesting that Jarrell needed to acquire a septic tank before being connected to the sewer system.

Jarrell’s predicament raises valid questions. If she is not receiving sewer service, why is the sewer district taking her money? There is no legal basis for it, and it is, in fact, wrong.

The sanitation board chairman, Jimmy Don Kerr, referred to a county ordinance stating that residents must connect to the sewer system if service is available. However, Jarrell presented evidence in the form of an original City of Inez sewer system map, indicating that two city-installed septic tanks were already on her property, which the sanitation district must maintain according to customer contracts and their attorney.

In a separate incident, Drewie Muncy, another Inez resident, revealed that he had been paying for sewer service for the past 12 years without having access to it. He produced a certification from the Martin County Health Department, confirming the approval of his private septic system.

Although the billing office corrected his account and assured him he would not receive a sewer bill in the future, Muncy requested reimbursement for the money he had paid over the years. Muncy’s request was met with resistance, as the board claimed they were financially strained and unable to locate a contract between Muncy and the district.

What is most disconcerting about these incidents is how dissent was stifled during the public comment session. When Muncy attempted to state how the situation made him feel, he was interrupted and silenced by Chairman Kerr.

While it is important to maintain decorum during meetings, it is equally important to respect the rights of citizens.

The incident raises concerns about the board’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

The First Amendment guarantees citizens the right to redress their grievances, even if it involves criticizing government entities. By preventing Muncy from expressing his concerns and invoking a prohibition on “bashing Alliance,” Chairman Kerr undermined the principles of open dialogue and public participation.

Citizens have a right to expect fair treatment, responsiveness and accountability from their elected officials and appointed government bodies. Silencing dissenting voices erodes trust in the system and stifles the democratic process. The Martin County Sanitation Board should reflect on this incident and take steps to ensure that all residents’ concerns are heard and addressed in an open, respectful and transparent manner.

It is crucial that the board upholds the principles of good governance and fosters an environment where citizens feel comfortable expressing their concerns without fear of retribution or censorship. The residents of Martin County deserve nothing less than a responsive and accountable sanitation board committed to this principle.