September 22, 2020
On September 23, Starkville Utilities will take another step towards better serving the community’s utility needs during a groundbreaking ceremony for its enhanced, consolidated operations center. The event will begin at 8:45 a.m. at Starkville Utilities’ electric division operations building at 605 Highway 182 East.
The project will add approximately 10,000 square feet to the existing building to make room for water division operation employees as well as facility and technology enhancements. Housing both water and electric operations together will improve efficiency, communication and teamwork — all of which will result in better service and responsiveness for Starkville Utilities customers.
“The consolidation project is an investment that will benefit customers well into the future,” said Terry Kemp, Starkville Utilities general manager. “It also supports our commitment to provide more innovative services and technologies to better serve customers as part of our newly launched Renew Principle initiative.”
When construction is complete, water division employees will move from their current building, on North Washington Street into modern, new offices in the consolidated operations center.
“The construction project is an investment in employees, too. We want to provide a state-of-the-art facility that supports a productive, professional workplace for our water and electric teams,” Kemp said. “In addition to streamlining our processes, the revamped operations center will have a dedicated space for training programs to strengthen workforce development.”
Additional features include larger warehouse and equipment storage areas, more parking space, and a “war room” that doubles as a venue for community meetings and events.
Starkville Utilities worked with JBHM Architecture on preliminary design plans and recently accepted Worsham Brothers Construction’s bid of approximately $1.9 million to expand, remodel and upgrade the current facility. Estimated completion is summer 2021.
“After many months of planning and finalizing the project scope, we are excited to kick off the construction phase,” said Mayor Lynn Spruill. “From operations and service standpoints, this is an improvement that makes sense for Starkville Utilities and their customers.”
Starkville Utilities is a public utility serving 14,000 residences, businesses and industries in Starkville, Mississippi as well as Mississippi State University. Its mission is to supply safe, reliable, and cost-effective electric and water service of superior quality and value that improves the lives of its customers.