The Cumberland Plateau Water Authority and South Cumberland Utility District making progress toward a potential merger.
Authority General Manager Jeff Dyer said officials have been in contact with utilities throughout Cumberland County. Dyer said the initial discussions with South Cumberland Utility have been positive, and the four-step process of merging is moving along.
“At this point, both groups are working through several important resolutions and final details to make sure that plans to serve customers, employees are in the best way possible,” Dyer said. “Our priority is to ensure that every household and every employee benefits.”
Dyer said the discussions with West Cumberland Utility, Grandview Utility and the City of Crossville are all ongoing and in play as the utilities look to potentially become one large utility. He said there has been no opposition from anyone as each district navigates the challenge of increased growth.
Dyer said during this step of the process, the resolution will be discussed by both entities. This is a time for them both to make additions or remove items from the agreement. The utilities will meet again on September 23.
Dyer said once these talks end and both sides agree to terms, the process will take another step forward.
“A petition will be signed from the Utility to the County Mayor to review a proposal of merger,” Dyer said. “After that, there will be a public hearing scheduled so the community can hear details and provide feedback before any major decision is made.”
Dyer said the merger will not happen overnight, as each side has their specific wants and needs for the agreements. In addition, Dyer said the smaller mergers will need to happen one at a time.
“Our goal remains the same.” Dyer said. “And that is to build a strong, reliable, more sustainable water system for the Cumberland Plateau.”
Dyer said South Cumberland plays an important role in that goal because they have local strength, assets, experience, and a shared mission to provide water resources for future generations.
Dyer said a regional utility concept will help improve the consumer base while increasing efficiency. Dyer said the utility districts need to work on finding a future consistent water supply.
Dyer said CPWA currently has around 9,500 customers. He said there some 32,000 water customers on the Cumberland Plateau.
