McCrory authorizes up to $10,000 for lift‑station generator as water fund warns of state‑mandated rate increase

The McCrory City Council unanimously authorized Mayor Jackson and Water Superintendent Harrison to spend between $5,000 and $10,000 to buy a larger generator for the main lift station after hearing a recommendation from Dennis Ross, who has worked on the city’s station generators.

"The current generator is not big enough to run the plant at the main lift station," Ross told the council and urged officials to move forward with purchasing a new one without calling a special meeting. Council member Dallas moved for the limited spending authorization and the motion passed on a unanimous vote.

Council members were also told that the city’s water fund is under financial pressure. The treasurer reviewed monthly financials and said water‑fund expenses have reached a point that the city needs to bring in more revenue. The treasurer warned that, in June 2025, the state will require the city to raise water rates to meet state specifications regardless of the city’s current rates.

Staff said the city’s engineer will advertise for bids for new water filters and that crews will begin cleaning ditches behind Chappell Oaks and Raymond Circle once equipment is available. Officials cautioned that large trash items in ditches have been a recurring problem and asked residents to place large items out for scheduled pickup.

The generator authorization gives the mayor and Water Superintendent Harrison limited authority to act quickly if a suitable unit appears, avoiding delays that would require a special meeting.