Tuscaloosa · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Tuscaloosa public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Lift Station 22 Force Main Replacement
The council was scheduled to tentatively award a roughly $1.6 million contract to REV Constructions, Inc. to replace the Lift Station 22 force main — key sewer infrastructure. No record shows whether the award was made.
Intermediate wastewater treatment trial at Lift Stations 2 and 33
The city is extending a $200,000 wastewater odor-control trial at Lift Stations 2 and 33 into next fiscal year, wanting a full rainy season of data before committing to a new vendor. Odor control at lift stations matters a lot to nearby neighborhoods.
Major sewer and bridge infrastructure contracts
Two big construction awards are on the agenda: $1.75 million for Mercedes Force Main Phase 3 and $12.3 million for utility relocation on the Woolsey Fennel Bridge project — plus a $144,000 appraisal contract for the Northern Sewer Expansion Phase 2.
Water and sewer maintenance contracts
Contracts with Thornton, Musso and Bellemin for work at the Ed Love Water Treatment Plant ($17,127.20) and Lift Stations 2 and 33 ($12,705), plus public works contracts with Daikin, Edko and Cummins, were scheduled for approval.
Hilliard N. Fletcher WRRF upgrades contract
The council was set to tentatively award a $5.6 million contract to Mark Johnson Construction for switchgear and generator upgrades at the city's wastewater treatment facility. This infrastructure keeps sewer service reliable as Tuscaloosa grows.
WRRF switchgear and generator upgrades
The Hilliard N. Fletcher wastewater treatment plant's switchgear and generators date to the 1970s. Replacing them keeps sewage treatment running during power outages.
Online water billing portal and customer notifications
The city is upgrading its Tyler Technologies system so water customers can view past bills, pay multiple accounts in one cart, set auto-pay and opt into texts and emails about bills and trash pickup. Once AMI meters are fully deployed, customers will also see hourly usage trends to spot leaks.
Booster pump station upgrades
The city is modernizing two booster pump stations so the Hillcrest tank can be taken offline for a full rehab without hurting water pressure. It's an electrical and monitoring overhaul with new generators.
Lake Nicol spillway modifications
An evaluation of the Lake Nicol dam is complete, and the city is moving ahead with spillway modifications to control water levels, with a full dam rehab expected in the next bond cycle around 2027-28.