Paris, Tenn.–At Tuesday’s meeting of the Public Utility Authority Board of Directors, President and CEO Terry Wimberley presented an architectural agreement with TLM Associates for design, construction and bid-phase services related to a two-story 8,400 square foot addition to the Board of Public Utilities downtown office building.
The construction would take place on the parking lot just east of the current building. The $5.2 million project will include a hardened, FEMA rated first floor that will house a command center, server storage and large multipurpose meeting area that could also serve as back up space for all administrative functions in case the current building is compromised by a natural disaster. The second level will provide space for an engineering suite, a small conference room, and general office space that will provide flexibility for a growing and expanding utility.
The board approved the agreement. Design will begin immediately with construction expected to begin in Spring 2025.
Tuesday’s meeting began with an election of Board officers following the reappointment of Jill Coker to the PUA Board. The current slate of officers will remain the same for the next year. A review of June financials followed with all departments ending the fiscal year in solid standing.
A lengthy agenda began with an engineering agreement with OHM Advisors. The approved agreement will allow for the Downtown/West Paris water system improvements to move forward. OHM will provide reporting, construction phase, and inspection services. Bids will be let soon with an expected project start date of September 2024.
Two separate bond resolutions were passed. Electric revenue bonds totaling $8.1 million will fund a variety of construction and rehab projects that have been previously discussed. Water and wastewater revenue bonds totaling $4.8 million will support the well-known need for repair and rehab of the aging infrastructures. The resolutions include agreements with Raymond James and Bass Berry Sims for bond issuance services.
In other business, the Board approved the quarterly write-off and a revolving fund loan to MaxSteel Fabrication.
In his President’s report, Wimberley informed the Board of a change to Friday office hours. The new hours for Friday ONLY will be 7:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m will begin on August 9th. Monday through Thursday office hours of 7:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. will remain unchanged.
The August meeting of the Board is scheduled for Tuesday, August 27, 2024.