Smithfield approves 10-year utilities capital plan; council addresses resident sewer backup and intake problems

Smithfield — The Town of Smithfield Council approved an updated 10-year Capital Improvement Plan for the Public Utilities Department and discussed recent sewer backups reported by residents, including commitments to improve notification when crews perform sewer clean-outs.

Public Utilities Director Ted presented the plan to the council, describing a multi-year roadmap intended to support growth and to improve reliability for electric, water and sewer systems. The plan, which council members approved by voice vote, combines projects across the electric division, the water plant, and water and sewer operations and will be used to guide grant and loan applications and annual budgeting decisions.

The plan keeps long-running electric projects — including a multi-year voltage conversion, installation of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and major equipment purchases — on the schedule Ted described. He said design work is under way for an upgrade to “delivery point number 1” along Hospital Road and that a new circuit originally planned off Booker Dairy Road has been shifted and budgeted for Buffalo Road. Ted said the town expects delivery of a large bucket truck in 2026 and noted continued pole relocation work tied to the N.C. Department of…