Oak Ridge council adopts CIP, approves park design contract and awards Veterans Honor Green bid; approves pay adjustments

The Town of Oak Ridge council voted to adopt the town’s 2025–26 Capital Improvement Plan, approved a contract extension to design phase 2 of Heritage Farm Park, authorized pay‑grade adjustments based on a regional market study and awarded a construction contract for Veterans Honor Green phase 2, among other routine governance items.

The council approved the 2025–26 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), a five‑year planning document that programs major capital expenses. Council members debated an earlier decision to postpone Phase 2 of Heritage Farm Park but ultimately approved the CIP as presented. One council member said the plan is "solid" for long‑term capital spending but urged moving the sports courts portion forward when funding allows.

On Heritage Farm Park Phase 2, the council approved a $10,000 lump‑sum proposal from McGill Associates to produce an updated master plan, conduct a community recreation needs survey, host a design workshop with stakeholders, and deliver a final conceptual design with cost estimates. The scope specifically calls out tennis and/or pickleball courts and a basketball court as potential Phase 2 elements. Supporters said the design phase will give council information to make financing and design choices; opponents…