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Wlaf1450By Charlotte Underwood
LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- The LaFollette Utility Board discussed and approved the budget and fiscal forecast for 2026, including “priority” capital projects in the electric and water/wastewater departments. The budget forecast also includes a 3-percent cost of living raise for eligible employees.
Capital projects on the electric side total $16,698,128. This includes $8,458,128 in substation upgrades and purchases.
Rebuilds and improvements come to $6 million. This will include a primary 324 upgrade on Glade Springs Road, miscellaneous line upgrades, a Conductor on Cove Point, new service, poles, and hardware replacements.
Line transformer costs will run $500,000, while $400,000 has been budgeted for meters and metering equipment costs, along with an additional $250,000 security lights and city streetlights.
Vehicle and equipment purchases will total $880,000, while office equipment, computers and office upgrades, will come to $200,000.
Grand total estimated capital expenditures for 2026 fiscal year are $16,698,128.
Capital projects on the water/wastewater side total $1,368,000.
These include improvements at the water treatment plant in the amount of $140,000.
The utilities water distribution system will get $562,000 in tank repairs, waterline improvements, meters, pump station improvements, as well as the purchase of miscellaneous tools and equipment, among other upgrades.
The wastewater treatment plant will get $299,000 in improvements including the lab equipment and tool upgrades, a spare motor for the oxidation ditch, sludge press screens and more.
The wastewater collection system will get $267,000 in upgrades, including Dossett Lane pump station, Demory Road Pump station, miscellaneous pump station improvements, as well as sewer line improvements.
The replacement of a truck will also cost $100,000.
Also discussed and approved on Monday by the LaFollette Utility Board was a Field Operations Retirement Retention Plan resolution. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-07/01/2025-6AM)