Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Oxford public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
19 issues in water utilities
Magnolia Bend sewer connection
MC Construction's low bid was accepted to extend sewer service to the Sandy Cove area, expanding wastewater infrastructure.
Wastewater treatment plant emergency repairs
Two large valves feeding the plant's clarifier tanks are broken — one clogged, one stuck open — forcing an emergency repair of about $111,066.35 without the usual bidding process.
New water wells for mTrade Park treatment plant
The city is adding wells 3 and 4 at mTrade and bidding out a new water treatment plant to keep up with growth. This is the backbone of Oxford's future water capacity.
mTrade water projects
The city signed contracts for two new mTrade wells and will advertise bids for a new water treatment plant — major steps in expanding Oxford's water capacity.
Howell Loop lift station replacement
The lift station behind the car wash is being overwhelmed and will be upgraded. Bids will be advertised.
Stormwater and flooding at Saint Andrews Circle
Radar-based sensors on Bernie Branch and Bailey Branch will alert the community when flows get dangerous — FEMA grant covers 90%.
Water Conservation Request
August set an all-time production record — 234.9 million gallons, 12% above last year — with no rain in the forecast. The city is asking everyone to cut lawn watering in half; all wells are running to keep up.
Residential solid waste rate increase
The city's first residential trash rate increase since 2014 would raise monthly bills from $22 to $29 — about 30%. Aldermen grilled the director on the cost but acknowledged truck prices have doubled since 2020, and floated surcharges for curbside household junk dumping.
Water main pipe for new asphalt plant
The city will spend about $76,000 on 16-inch pipe the developer will lay for free, setting up a future water main the city needs anyway — even though the plant itself is tangled in litigation.
Downtown drainage project change order
In closed session the board agreed to a final $40,117.62 payment to Patton Construction, closing out the Oxford Square Downtown Detention Project and resolving threatened litigation.
Anderson Road water main contractor problems
A new twenty-inch water main will run from Pat Patterson Parkway and West Oxford Loop up Anderson Road to Heritage Drive, toward a future elevated water tank site — boosting water capacity for a growing part of town.
Water service agreements with East Oxford Water Association
Two agreements swap service territory: East Oxford will serve commercial property on Buddy East Parkway until city water arrives, and the city will extend water up Fudgetown Road after a Public Service Commission OK.
Sandy Cove sewer extension
The board approved MC Construction's low bid to extend sewer into the Sandy Cove area annexed in 2018, extending the North Lamar sewer project.
Belle River Place subdivision utilities extension
City water and sewer will stretch to a new five-lot subdivision on County Road 403, just outside current city limits.
4% Electric Rate Increase
Oxford Utilities' first net rate increase in 17 years takes effect July 1. Average residential customers will pay about $4 more per month ($48/year). The utility says it's needed to rebuild reserves drained by equipment inflation and Winter Storm Fern, and rates remain among the lowest in the region.
Water and wastewater master plan
New sewer tap fees now better match actual material and labor costs — developers and builders hooking into the system will pay more.
Old Taylor Road water main upgrade
The water main from Chucky Mullins to Landis Road will be upsized by MC Construction at the low bid — and The Finn development is paying the full cost, not the city.
Utility hardening BRIC grant
The city will pursue federal grant money to bury utilities in targeted areas, reducing future storm outages.
Water and sewer rate increase
A 20% bump in water and sewer rates — the first since 2013 — is coming to pay for higher operating costs and a pile of needed capital projects. It got its first reading; the second reading and public hearing are at the next meeting, so residents can still weigh in.