A war of words between the county’s largest employer and the Mayor of Trion heated up a bit more when Mount Vernon Mills issued a response to Trion Mayor Larry Stansell’s comments about the mill not signing a natural gas contract.

The mayor indicated in his remarks that Mount Vernon could “shut down under the town’s authority” if they refuse to sign the contract.

Mount Vernon issued a strongly-worded response to the mayor’s comments saying that the mill has always been a good community partner with the Town of Trion and telling the mayor that they have been in discussions with town council members.  The statement said “We have been in discussions with the council members on our utility needs, as they, not the mayor, are the ultimate authority in utility rates and bills, not the mayor.”

According to The Summerville News, Mayor Stansell has offered to forgive a $40,000 debt he says the mill owes, if they will sign the contract being offered.