Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Oxford public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
9 issues in water utilities with high priority
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.
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.
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 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.
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 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.