The Crossville Chronicle reports that at last week’s West Cumberland Utility District meeting, a large crowd gathered to discuss a potential merger with the Cumberland Plateau Water Authority (CPWA). The utility board approved entering negotiations with CPWA while also exploring other options, such as merging with the city of Crossville or BonDeCroft Utility District.

The passed ordinance marks the initial step toward a potential merger with CPWA, though details and approval from Cumberland County Mayor Allen Foster are still pending. CPWA General Manager Jeff Dyer highlighted that merging would allow resource sharing, reducing costs and eliminating debt for participating utilities, leaving CPWA with $4.2 million in reserves and lower customer rates.

Currently, West Cumberland’s water rates are significantly higher ($114.50 for 8,000 gallons) compared to CPWA’s ($74.10) and Catoosa Utility District’s ($75.36). Dyer also noted that the merger could address long-term water supply issues across the Cumberland Plateau. West Cumberland currently purchases water from BonDeCroft, and this arrangement would continue post-merger, with potential rate reductions by spreading debt and costs.

Despite some skepticism from Commissioners Monte Garrett and Jesse Iles, who questioned infrastructure and alternative mergers, the board, led by President Brad Brown and Commissioner Wayne Blankenship, approved the ordinance to negotiate with CPWA, with only Garrett and Iles dissenting.

The board also considered that a merger with Crossville could lead to joining CPWA indirectly, as South Cumberland is already in talks with CPWA, potentially creating a combined utility serving 17,000 customers with $8.5 million in water sales.