The Pine Bluff Wastewater Utility Commission approved a $7.43-million budget for 2025 at a Tuesday morning meeting.
The budget represents a 2% increase from 2024 and includes $1.3 million for capital improvements, according to utility General Manager Ken Johnson.
A strategic planning forecast pertaining to long-term projects for PBWU is outlined in the budget. Those projects are related to major capital improvements needed for operation over the next 10 years, Johnson said.
The forecast includes:
mFor 2024-25, a new parallel force main to Boyd Point Facility, Boyd Point blower replacement and a project in the unsewered area of University Drive;
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
mFor 2026-27, Phase III of the upgrade to the Kansas Street pump station and a new multipurpose facility;
mFor 2025-29, rehabilitation of the collection system and mechanical bar screens; and
mFor 2025-29, wastewater treatment facility biosolids removal and aeration system upgrades, and rehabilitation of pump stations.
The utility employs 40, and revenues are generated from sewer fees collected by Liberty Utilities on their customers’ water bills, Johnson said. The utility treats municipal wastewater from White Hall.
Representatives from Garney Construction and Crist Engineers updated the PBWU Commission on the new $11-million sewer force main to be put in operation next year. The new line will replace an existing force main that has been in service for nearly 60 years.
The city and PBWU, in addition, are completing a new sewer extension among North University Drive.
Commission chairman Lloyd Holcomb Sr., recognized Johnson for his 40 years of service to the utility.