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MPUA study: 13 poles flagged for replacement; five-year plan estimated at $1.6 million
Summary
An MPUA electrical study presented to the Ava Board found 1,603 poles inspected, with 13 requiring replacement; the consultant estimated roughly $1.6 million in pole and equipment costs over five years and recommended ground rods on all poles with transformers and a follow-up study after five years.
Brent McKinrrey of MPUA presented results of an electrical infrastructure study covering inspections from Feb. 2 to March 5, 2026, saying crews examined 1,603 utility poles and documented locations in the Diamond Map system. The consultant identified 13 poles that need immediate replacement and recommended ground rods be installed with every pole that has a transformer and with each new pole installation.
The presentation included a year-by-year guide for how many poles should be replaced annually and recommended a full updated system study at the end of the five-year plan. The minutes record an estimated cost of about $1.6 million to replace poles and associated equipment by the plan's end.
Lineman Jimmy Melton was credited with compiling photos and GPS data used in the Diamond Map program; the board also noted that bucket trucks are roughly 20 years old and that in-house replacement work could require earlier capital-equipment investments.
City staff later noted in the meeting that electric-department cash balances were negative after audit adjustments, and Admin. Director Peggy Porter said she would follow up with aldermen on cash reserves — a finance note relevant to funding multi-year capital work.
Why it matters: the study identifies immediate safety/operational needs and sets a multi-year capital cost estimate; funding and scheduling will depend on available cash reserves and potential equipment replacement needs.
What happens next: staff and aldermen will need to consider funding options, prioritize pole replacements, and schedule a follow-up study after five years as recommended by MPUA.
