Oxford · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Oxford public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Magnolia Bend sewer connection
Walker and Walker wants to build a 100-plus-home subdivision in Lafayette County and pipe its sewage to city lines. Engineering says the deal gives Oxford a much-needed sewer foothold on the east side of town, though the Britney Woods lift station will need upgrades.
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.
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.
New water wells for mTrade Park treatment plant
Two more wells (four total) will supply the future mTrade Park water treatment plant, at a $1.1 million bid.
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.
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.
Water main pipe for new asphalt plant
The city is buying about $76,000 of 16-inch pipe it will need anyway, so the developer of the new — and legally contested — asphalt plant lays a bigger water line for free.
Residential solid waste rate increase
Your trash bill is going up $7 a month — from $22 to $29 — the first residential increase since 2014. The department says new garbage trucks cost twice what they did in 2020 and rates here are still among the lowest in Mississippi. A public hearing is set for August 18 before it's final.
4-day Workweek for Utility and Street Crews
Non-office workers in Oxford Utilities (electric, water and sewer) and the Street Department will move to a 4-day schedule, as proposed by Rob Neely. Residents may see adjusted service hours for field crews.
Anderson Road water main contractor problems
The Board is fed up with delays, understaffing, and construction defects on the Anderson Road water main project — and authorized notice to terminate the contractor if it can't cure the problems.
Sandy Cove sewer extension
The low bid from MC Construction extends sewer service into the area the city annexed in 2018, building on the North Lamar sewer project.
Water service agreements with East Oxford Water Association
Two agreements let East Oxford serve a commercial property the city can't reach yet, and let the city extend water on Fudgetown Road into East Oxford's territory. Both areas are commercial, not residential.
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.
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.
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
The board gave final approval to higher water and sewer rates — but don't expect the new bill yet. Rates only change after the Public Service Commission approves rates for customers outside the city's mile.