City continues to improve former Bell Utilities
The city of Oxford has spent about $2.5 million in improving, upgrading and closing water and sewer systems once owned by Bell Utilities since purchasing Bell in 2011. (January 7, 2013, Page 1A, 2A)
City purchase of Bell Utilities OK’D
The Public Service Commission approved the sale of Bell Utilities to City of Oxford on Wednesday. (January 20, 2011, Page 2)
City OKs upgrade of Bell Utility
The City of Oxford closed the deal last week on the purchase of Bell Utilities and began moving forward with planned upgrades to the Lakeway Gardens area on Tuesday at the Board of Aldermen meeting. (January 19, 2011, Page 1)
Water, sewer rate hike approved
A 3 percent hike for current city water and sewer customers is on its way this November along with a potential 6 percent increase and $12 fee for new Bell Utility customers if the company is purchased by the City of Oxford. (September 29, 2010, Page 1)
City proposes water, sewer rate hike
The city of Oxford is proposing a rate hike for water and sewer service for its residents and current customers as well as setting rates for current Bell Utilities customers if the city’s plans to purchase the utility system’s water and sewer systems and customer base are approved. The Public Service Commission must give approval for the purchase and rates to go forward. (August 19, 2010, Page 1)
City may buy Bell assets
After nine months of negotiations and appraisals, the city of Oxford is ready to offer Bell Utilities $2.3 million to purchase its systems and assets. The city would not be buying Bell Utilities as an entire entity, only its water/sewer systems and customer base. (August 4, 2010, Page 1)
Presley: Deny rate hike
Brandon Presley, Public Service Commissioner, has recommended a 40 percent rate increase for Bell Utilities. During a hearing on July 1 an expert witness testified that a recommendation was made for a lesser increase. Based on information from the hearing the request to increase rates should be denied. (July 15, 2010, Page 1)
Users say no to rate hike plan
Dozens of residents spoke out Tuesday in a public hearing against a proposed Bell Utilities rate hike for water and sewer services. Public Service Commissioner Brandon Presley was on hand at the event held at the Lafayette County Chancery Building. (April 28, 2010, Page 1)
City considers buying Bell Utilities
The Oxford Board of Aldermen and Mayor Pat Patterson are considering a request from Bell Utilities to purchase the water and sewer company that currently serves county residents. But according to financial records, Bell Utilities is losing $198,735 a year in water service revenue and $155,501 in sewer service revenue. (January 11, 2010, Page 1)
Wine for Valentine’s
LOCAL NEWS — Oxford officials approved a special exception to Sunday sales for Valentine’s Day this year after a request from local restaurant owner John Currence. The exception must now be approved by the Office of Alcoholic Beverage Control at the state Tax Commission. (January 6, 2010, Page 1)
