CROSSVILLE RELEASES VOTER INFORMATION GUIDE AHEAD OF NOVEMBER REFERENDUM
Crossville residents will head to the polls on November 3, 2026, to vote on a high-stakes water referendum that could shape the city’s utility future for decades.
The City of Crossville released its official Voter Information Guide, emphasizing a neutral stance that prioritizes letting citizens decide the issue. The referendum asks voters whether to authorize the City Council to move forward with a potential transfer of certain city water assets and continue exploring a regional partnership with the Cumberland Plateau Water Authority (CPWA).
Key Details of the Referendum:
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What a “Yes” Vote Means: It grants the City Council authority to continue the evaluation process and pursue a regional merger if it is ultimately deemed in the best interest of ratepayers. It does not automatically complete a transfer.
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What a “No” Vote Means: The city will continue to independently operate and manage its water and wastewater systems, forcing officials to address upcoming financial and regulatory obligations on their own.
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Driving Factors: Rapid growth in Crossville and Cumberland County has pushed long-term infrastructure needs to the forefront. Current daily water demand sits at roughly 4 million gallons per day (MGD), but 20-year projections estimate needs rising to 8 to 9 MGD, and 50-year projections reaching 11 to 12 MGD.
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Massive Capital Costs: The city faces substantial upcoming expenses, including a projected $60 million project to increase the size of Meadow Park Lake and a $15 million pilot study/filter replacement project at the water treatment plant.
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Financial Comparisons: While both independent operation and regionalization will require significant capital investments and bond-issued debt, proponents of the CPWA regional approach point to economies of scale, a larger customer base, and shared financial burdens.
City officials stress that a “yes” vote complies with city charter requirements for property transfers while allowing public input on handling upcoming infrastructure hurdles. Voters are encouraged to review complete documents, meeting recordings, and financial analyses on the official city website at www.crossvilletn.gov or via CPWA resources before casting their ballots.
Below is the full Voter Information guide:
