PSC approves City of Oxford's petition to provide water service to new Highway 328 development

The Public Service Commission approved a petition from the City of Oxford for a supplemental certificate authorizing acquisition, construction and operation of a water system in Lafayette County to serve a new development south of the city limits along Highway 328.

Mr. Rhodes presented the petition, explaining the developer will provide legal and engineering services and cover the cost to construct necessary infrastructure. The proposed development includes eight residential projects and three commercial projects; staff verified maps and legal descriptions and the Mississippi State Department of Health confirmed plans and specifications meet agency standards. No parties requested intervention in the docket and staff recommended approval.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about fire protection and customer counts; Mr. Rhodes said the developer's plans include fire protection and that Oxford serves about 17,264 customers, roughly 1,500 of whom are beyond one mile of the city limits. Following a motion and second, the commission approved the supplemental certificate.

The commission moved on after adopting the water/sewer agenda item.