Chickasha Municipal Authority selects Wright Water for utility operations, authorizes contract negotiations

The Chickasha Municipal Authority voted to select Wright Water Corporation for the operation, maintenance and management of the authority’s water utility system and its solid waste system under RFQ CMA 2601 and authorized contract negotiations with the firm, with final approval of the contract subject to the authority.

Staff introduced the item and said the city received four proposals in response to the RFQ, including submissions from USW and Veolia Water, and recommended Wright Water as the best fit for the community. A CMA member moved to select Wright Water Corporation and to authorize contract negotiations; the motion was seconded and, after discussion, approved by roll call.

During discussion CMA members questioned whether Wright was the only respondent and asked about risk management and contract remedies. One member raised concerns about prior ownership changes at other utilities, saying such transitions sometimes leave “things fall[ing] through the cracks.” Staff said four proposals were received and that Wright was recommended. Staff also said the proposed agreement would be for five years and would include an escape clause, usually requiring 90 days’ notice; the city would need to reimburse capital investments made by the operator if the agreement were terminated early.

Company representatives addressed questions and outlined their management approach. Sean Wright, introduced himself as president of Brightwater, described the company’s municipal leadership team and a digital maintenance program that tracks every plant asset; he emphasized relationship-building with partner cities and offered references from other Oklahoma communities where the company works. Wright said the company’s model includes regular partnership-manager contact, weekly calls and a focus on making maintenance needs transparent.

CMA members asked whether municipalities had used the 90-day clause and requested references; the company encouraged members to contact partner cities for candid feedback. Members also welcomed the company’s statements about offering positions to current employees where feasible and about community engagement. A roll call vote recorded affirmative votes approving selection and authorization to negotiate. Final contract execution remains subject to later agreement and CMA approval.

Next steps: staff will negotiate terms with Wright Water Corporation (or the next-most-responsive qualified firm if negotiations fail) and return any final agreement to the CMA for approval.