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MURFREESBORO – Infrastructure improvements were the main topic of discussion at Murfreesboro’s town council meeting on Sept. 13. The council approved four resolutions as a step forward in the attempt to secure funding for a variety of future projects.

The first was a resolution for a 10-year water and wastewater capital improvement plan, which will serve as a guideline for what needs to be addressed over the next decade to keep both systems in good health.

According to the document, the plan includes replacing water lines throughout the town, replacing approximately 1,300 water meters, several lift station rehabilitations, two phases of sewer rehabilitation, and more.

Mayor Hal Thomas stated that having a capital improvement plan will be helpful when applying for future grant funding.

Council member David Brown noted that small towns often do not have the money to make the necessary but costly repairs, but also said that Murfreesboro has made progress on infrastructure improvements the past few years.

“If you kick the can down the road, sooner or later, you hit the wall. And that’s where we’re at,” he summarized.

The other three resolutions were specific projects that the town intends to apply for state grant and/or loan assistance. Those projects include townwide lift station improvements, system water valve replacement, and Main Street & Third Street water line replacement.

Mayor Thomas explained that the town has 17 lift stations – a mechanical device that helps keep the wastewater system flowing – and many are old and worn out. Town Administrator Carolyn Brown added that they want to replace as many as possible, and make repairs to the rest.

For the water line replacement project, C. Brown noted that the town had previously been denied state funding, so they’re going to try once more to apply for assistance.

She then also explained the need for the water system’s valve replacement. With newer, better-functioning valves, she said it should be easier to shut off only one section of the system when necessary, instead of the whole town.

Council member Jay Revelle noted that the projects cost several million dollars, and the town’s annual Water and Sewer (Enterprise) budget is only around $1.6 million, which is why they continue to seek funding for assistance.

With four separate votes, the council approved all the resolutions. Council member James Futrell was unable to attend the meeting.