City Council Hears CPWA Presentation

Cumberland Plateau Water Authority General Manager Jeff Dyer made a presentation to the Crossville City Council on Tuesday to urge the council to approve a resolution to begin negotiations for a merge or partnership for water. Dyer argued that consolidating fragmented systems into a single regional authority will lower long-term operating costs and improve the utility’s buying power. Dyer said that CPWA currently manages over 17,000 customers and holds $46 million in assets with zero debt. City Attorney Randy York cautioned that the process is complex and a merge would likely require a public referendum. Council is expected to further address the issue at the regular March meeting.