Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Oak Ridge public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
13 issues in water utilities
Electric System Reliability — Spacer Cable Project
The Electric Department wants to replace decades-old overhead lines in one of the worst-performing areas of the grid with spacer cable that better withstands trees, wind, and wildlife. Fewer outages for customers near Montana Avenue and West Outer Drive.
Sewer System Inflow and Infiltration Repairs
Aging sewer pipes let storm water leak in, driving up treatment costs. The proposed $193,325 point-repair contract targets manholes, mains, and laterals to prevent failures.
2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents
The housing authority will review and consider the 2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents, which affect housing voucher payment standards and subsidy calculations in the area.
Waste Connections Fall Leaf Collection Schedule
The city and Waste Connections reviewed potential improvements to ensure timely and efficient pickup of fall leaves for residents.
Water and Sewer Master Plan Update
The city is spending up to $1 million on Jacobs Engineering to model its entire water and sewer system — capacity, aging pipes, and future rate needs. It's the first real update since 2012 wastewater work.
Water and Sewer Cost of Service Study
Jackson Thornton presented a study showing that water rates currently recover only 66% of needed revenue, while sewer rates show a healthy 102% recovery. City staff will use these findings to guide future rate adjustments and master planning.
Electric Utility Infrastructure and Asset Management
City officials discussed major investments in the electric utility fund, including purchasing heavy-duty transformers and expanding grid redundancy to support new industrial projects like Orano on the west end.
Creation of Water Works Manager Position
A new Water Works Manager position is being created to oversee water and wastewater treatment operations and maintenance crews within the Public Works Department.
Industrial Electrical Infrastructure Expansion
The city is purchasing major electrical equipment like transformers and breakers to support new industrial development and nuclear industry growth in West Oak Ridge.
Water Treatment Plant Construction Timeline
The new membrane filtration plant is nearly online, with a June ribbon-cutting planned. Residents shouldn't see changes in rates, pressure or water quality, and the raw water line to Y-12 will be replaced after startup.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Expansion
The Electric Department is advancing critical infrastructure investments including power circuit breakers for substations and final base stations for the automated metering infrastructure project.
IT Software Licensing and Cybersecurity Renewals
Oak Ridge is reviewing multi-year software contracts for Microsoft 365 and Sentinel One cybersecurity tools. These purchases ensure continuous administrative productivity and network security.
Specialized Utility Legal Services Contract
The city is considering a $250,000 legal services contract with Miller & Martin PLLC to handle complex utility and electric agreements for new industrial clients and TVA coordination.