On January 12th, 2026, I attended the Mayfield City Council meeting just to observe and listen, completely unprepared to speak. But during discussion, I was invited into the conversation to help clarify an issue that a lot of people are understandably confused about right now, the real estate transaction between the City of Mayfield and Mayfield Electric & Water.
First, I want to say this:
I’m thankful I was invited into the conversation because the people of Mayfield deserve clarity and transparency.
Here’s what’s happening in plain terms:
The City recently sold property to MEWS, and during council discussion, a key question came up: who actually owns the infrastructure on that property?
The assets that keep our city running.
And what concerned me most was this — there was confusion in the room. Between council, legal counsel, and the mayor, it became clear that people don’t have the same understanding of what was sold, what was transferred, and what that means going forward.
And when it comes to public property, we can’t operate on assumptions. We need clear documentation and a clear public process.
Because I serve as Vice Chair of the MEWS Plant Board, I was asked to weigh in. I shared that I’ve always understood the City owns the water and sewer system — and I also shared that I voted NO when the proposal came to the Plant Board.
Not because I’m against partnership — I’m not.
But because I don’t believe MEWS should use reserve funds to buy property that’s already been paid for over decades by taxpayers and ratepayers.
This matters because it could affect Mayfield’s ability to control sewer tap-ons, annexation, and ultimately future growth.
Here’s what I’m calling for:
✅ transparency
✅ legal clarity
✅ and a solution that protects the City, MEWS, and most importantly — the citizens of Mayfield.
I’m Tim Choate — and I’m running for Mayor because Mayfield needs leadership that brings clarity, protects our assets, and fights for our future.