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Council approves water‑fee updates, meter financing and 2026–31 CIP; hears committee reports
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Summary
After the SUP hearing, Oak Ridge council approved water‑fee amendments (including a 'dry tap' and meter‑finance option), moved restricted Veterans funds to the general fund, and adopted the 2026–31 Capital Improvement Plan following discussion about reserve policy and project priorities.
Following the extended evidentiary hearing on SUP2501, the Oak Ridge Town Council completed routine business and took several fiscal and operational actions.
Manager and finance items The town manager requested three manager items: reappointment and appointment to advisory boards and closing phase‑1 funds for the Veterans Honor Green project. Council voted to transfer remaining restricted funds as presented; staff reported $13,982.50 of phase‑2 restricted funds would be moved to the general fund as a partial reimbursement of prior expenditures.
Water fee schedule and meter financing Council approved amendments to the municipal water fee schedule that add a 'dry tap' option (allowing a customer to secure a service connection while deferring meter installation) and a meter‑finance policy for residential meters. The policy sets a standard meter fee at $500 (purchase and installation included) with an option to finance payments over two years with a small finance charge aimed at encouraging connections.
Capital Improvement Plan and budget discussion Council reviewed and adopted the town’s 2026–2031 Capital Improvement Plan. Members debated reserve policy (some argued for restoring a larger general‑fund cushion) and the placement of individual projects such as proposed sports courts, but the plan was approved as presented.
Committee and operations updates Committee reports included Parks & Recreation event scheduling (Music in the Park, Farmhouse bookings), Veterans Honor Green installation work and the Water Advisory Committee’s progress on water‑main extensions and outreach to households near new mains. The Water Advisory Committee noted engineering work is proceeding and highlighted PFAS mitigation and school connection projects as priorities.
Audit procurement note Finance staff reported the incumbent audit partner will move to another role within the firm, prompting a planned request for proposals for audit services; staff expect to circulate an RFP and return with recommendations to council for June action.
What residents should know The approved meter‑finance policy lowers the upfront cost barrier for household connections; the council also signaled continued attention to grant funding and close monitoring of the town’s reserve policy amid changing grant availability.
