Crossville City Council approves water contract with Crab Orchard Utility District

In a pivotal meeting held at Crossville City Hall, city officials gathered to discuss a crucial contract with the Crab Orchard Utility District, a step that could significantly impact local water management. The atmosphere was charged with urgency as Joe Wyatt, a local attorney, presented the details of the contract, emphasizing its importance for the city’s future water supply.

Wyatt explained that the contract is essential for the City of Crossville to sell treated water to Crab Orchard Utility District, which is on the verge of merging with the Cumberland Plateau Water Authority. This merger, anticipated to occur soon, hinges on the completion of the contract, as the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) will not approve necessary water plans until it is finalized.

The city has secured an $8 million grant from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), but progress on the grant is stalled until the contract is in place. Wyatt noted that the contract includes a formula for determining water rates, which has been adjusted to meet the needs of both parties. The minimum water sale is set at 300,000 gallons, with a maximum cap of one million gallons, allowing for flexibility in case of emergencies.

Tim Begley, a city official, clarified that the contract does not involve the city joining any new entity; rather, it is a straightforward agreement to sell water. This arrangement ensures that Crab Orchard will reimburse the city for 5% of the assets they will own once the project is completed.

As the clock ticks toward a September 2026 deadline for project completion, the urgency for approval was palpable. Wyatt urged the council to act swiftly, highlighting that Crab Orchard had only received the contract details that day. The meeting underscored the critical nature of this agreement, not just for the immediate needs of water supply but also for the broader implications of regional water management and infrastructure development in Cumberland County.