Crossville City Council Considers Merger with Cumberland Plateau Water Authority

During its June 2, 2026 work session, the Crossville City Council heard a pitch for merging the city’s water and sewer utility with the Cumberland Plateau Water Authority (CPWA). CPWA officials highlighted major advantages including spreading costs across a much larger base than the city’s current 14,400 water and 5,500 sewer customers. Financial projections showed that tackling major projects such as the Meadow Park Lake dam alone could force a 63% cumulative water rate increase, while a merger would reduce that to approximately 30%. City Attorney Randy York noted the council must approve a resolution by July to place a referendum on the November 2026 ballot. The vote would authorize, but not require, the transfer of key properties, including land at Meadow Park Lake, giving future councils the power to proceed with a merger.