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West Cumberland Utility asks Crossville to explore merger or tie-in to lower rates
Summary
Jesse Isles, vice president of West Cumberland Utility, asked the Crossville City Council to explore merging or tying waterlines to lower customer rates and expand service, citing recent infrastructure work, a multi-year supply contract and anticipated grant funding; the council took no formal action but moved the consent agenda and recorded routine announcements.
Jesse Isles, vice president of West Cumberland Utility, addressed the Crossville City Council during public comment and asked the council to consider tying into Crossville’s waterline or pursuing a merger to lower rates and improve service for customers.
Isles said his utility has replaced about 95% of its service lines, is undertaking a roughly 7,000-foot transmission-line replacement tied to grant funding, and serves about 2,200 customers. He said the utility purchases roughly 330,000 gallons a month from Bonniecroft under a contract that has about four and a half years remaining and that the utility has recently invested in new equipment and meter replacements.
“We just like to get with y’all about getting some time, Pleasant Hill, and Crossroads together on some utility because we’ve been approached by the CWPA here and to get some water. To try to lower some water rates, get customers better rates and stuff like that with us,” Isles said, asking the council to have city staff follow up.
The chair thanked Isles and said the city manager would get in touch. The council did not take any formal vote on a merger or tie-in at the meeting.
Separately, the council approved the consent agenda (items 5a–5k) by voice vote. City Manager Roger added several announcements, including a schedule change for next month’s council meeting (moved to the third Tuesday because of Veterans Day), the chamber’s annual meeting on Nov. 13, a council retreat on Oct. 21 at 8 a.m. on the third floor, and the Field of Honor at Garrison Park Nov. 8–15 with an opening ceremony Nov. 8 at 2 p.m.
The council adjourned later in the meeting. No formal decision on a utility merger or tie-in was recorded; city staff were asked to follow up with Isles.
