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 Transportation Brightleaf Boulevard widening project.

Ted told the council the water-plant portion of the plan continues work on the river intake to reduce sand intrusion that is damaging pump impellers. He said the town is evaluating intake-location options and treatment approaches with a consultant and that the work is likely to be expensive but may reduce long-term pump repair costs. The plan also includes system expansion across I-95, an extension of water service south along Brightleaf Boulevard (out for bid and expected to be built this fiscal year to the flea market), and possible future elevated storage tanks east and west of I-95.

For sewer, Ted described an ongoing project to enlarge an undersized outfall that runs behind Rose Manor and alongside Hevner. He said the town received an Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to replace the smaller, aging line with a larger pipe to handle current and anticipated flows from growth near the airport and to improve service for existing customers in West Smithfield.

The plan also lists near-term purchases and maintenance items: replacement of sanitary sewer in alleyways around Wilson Street, replacement of some fleet vehicles (a dump truck and a vac truck, the latter delivered two weeks earlier), annual manhole rehabilitation and a phased hydrant-painting and repair program that would address roughly one-third of hydrants annually for three years. Ted said AMI meter replacements will be moved into annual budget line items in future years.

The discussion followed a citizen comment from Stephanie Emerson of 102 East Sanders Street, who told the council that on Sept. 10 a sewer maintenance event or “sewer clean out” caused pressure that “pushed the sewer water back into our home… causing thousands of dollars worth of damage.” Emerson said she and neighbors had not received clear notification before the event and asked what would change to prevent future damage.

Town Manager Scott responded that Public Utilities staff have been instructed to go door-to-door to notify residents in advance of scheduled sewer clean-outs and to leave notices when feasible. He also cautioned that emergency work can occur at any hour and that crews may not always be able to provide prior door-to-door notice. Manager Scott said staff had discussed a notification policy, that some outreach had occurred while the town adjuster investigated Emerson’s claim, and that the town is working on policy changes to improve communication.

Mayor Andy Moore praised the plan and noted recent infrastructure investments. “We have planned, we have implemented, we have recently expanded, spent over $17,000,000 expanding our water plant,” Moore said during discussion, arguing the town has taken steps to prepare for growth while limiting rate increases.

Councilmembers approved the capital improvement plan by voice vote. Councilmember comments during the vote authorized minor editorial changes for clarity (non‑substantive corrections) without returning to council. No roll-call tally or individual yes/no votes were recorded in the meeting minutes or transcript.

Why it matters: The adopted plan provides the town a multi-year framework to seek state and federal grants and loans, to coordinate with NCDOT road projects and to prioritize projects tied to growth. It also formalizes near-term maintenance and equipment purchases and prompted a commitment to improve resident notification after sewer operations following a reported home backup.

What’s next: Staff will incorporate specific budget figures into next year’s annual budget process, return to council for funding approvals as projects seek grants or bids, and proceed with the planned Brightleaf Boulevard water-line relocation and the sewer outfall replacement already funded by EDA support.