Harriman reports first fiber connections, billing changes and project updates; officials flag riverfront redevelopment talks with EPA

HARRIMAN, Tenn. — City utility leaders told the council Oct. 7 that Harriman’s downtown fiber zone is operational and several homes and businesses have been connected as test customers.

The utility representative said the early customers will receive free service in exchange for feedback while staff resolve any initial issues; the first paid bills are expected to be issued Nov. 30. The speaker also described a new multi-page utility bill that will debut Nov. 1 and said the billing changes will provide more detail on usage and differentiate utility charges from fuel costs.

Officials also reported ongoing infrastructure work: a large sinkhole behind a former doctor's office remains under repair, and a sewer pump station at Pine Ridge Road is essentially complete though site work and a retaining wall remain. The speaker said a concrete pad and a heavy prefabricated building (described as a future fiber hut) will be installed at that site.

On development, the city said site work for a Quick Trip store encountered unstable soils that required a retaining wall and will delay opening by approximately one to two weeks. City staff said they will provide an updated completion date at the next council meeting.

Mayor/manager and staff noted forthcoming engagement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency about redevelopment of the river/paper-mill site and said public input will shape reuse options; a slideshow shown to council will be used in meetings with EPA regional and national offices.

Finance staff reported an ‘‘almost 10%’’ increase in local option sales tax compared with the same period last year, which the finance official described as one of the larger one-month gains in the past 18 months.

Kea, the grants contact, reported a pre-bid meeting to rebid HVAC work under an LPRF award and said the CDBG sidewalk project is revising construction plans and awaiting resubmission. Officials also announced that American Cruise Lines is expected to include a regional docking stop beginning in 2027, which could bring an estimated 150 visitors weekly to the area, with details to be finalized with the chamber of commerce.

What’s next: Staff and the mayor’s office will follow up with dates and more documentation: the mayor’s office promised a public update regarding recent social-media concerns; staff will return with final sidewalk plans, a schedule for signal-box wraps, and procurement details for the mower controller.

Quotes “These first few customers are going to be test customers... we expect the first bills to be sent out November 30th,” the utility speaker said.

“We had an almost 10% increase in our local option sales tax over this time last year,” the finance official reported.

(Names and program details based on council and staff remarks recorded at the Oct. 7 meeting.)