Latest news with #TylerCline
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Miami utility rates to go up
MIAMI, Okla. — Utility rates in northeast Oklahoma are going up, along with other utilities in the rest of the Four State area. The Grand River Dam Authority says it continues to experience increasing costs to produce electric power. That's what has prompted the Miami Special Utility Authority to increase electric utility rates. This is the first hike in Miami's electric utility rates since 2021. GRDA implemented an 11 percent increase to its municipal customers, and will add another 4.1 percent increase in 2025 and 2026. 'We want our electric utility customers to have information and clarity about why this rate increase is necessary for the utility's operations and the needs of this community.' Tyler Cline, Miami City Manager Consultant Dan Jackson, Willdan Vice President of Financial Services, addressed city leaders and held a Town Hall meeting in May to discuss the problem. Jackson cited factors driving the need for the new electric rate plan: inflation, the implementation of a GRDA increase, and plans to issue debt for needed capital improvements. Miami utility customers currently pay $126.79 per 1,000 kilowatt hours. Willdan's study compared the city's electric rates with 18 other area municipalities and found that with the new rate increase and base charge, the new electric rates in Miami's service area are still comparable or better. Willdan recommended an increase of 12 percent across the board starting in June 2025 and 5 percent starting in July 2026 and July 2027. The three-year rate plan means a residential customer using 1,000 kWh would see a monthly increase of $9.96 starting June 2025. The City of Miami plans to issue $28,500,000 in debt to fund important capital improvements. These include Advanced Metering Infrastructure for electric, upgrades to Substation Three, pole change-outs at Feeder 31 and the turnpike crossing, upgrades to Feeder 23, a build-out of Substation 4, possible generation and solar farm projects, and automated switches for industrial customers. 'These capital improvement projects are vital to providing reliable and better service to our electric utility customers, 'Cline said, 'These projects help us keep the electric infrastructure up to date and stay competitive in recruiting new businesses.' MSUA Customer Service representatives are available to help customers calculate their billing with the increased rate or answer questions. They can be reached at 918-542-6685. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-01-2025
- General
- Yahoo
New changes in store for Miami Senior Citizens' Center
MIAMI, Okla. – Several remodeling projects are on the drawing board for the new Senior Citizens' Center, according to Miam city leaders. 'We believe the Miami Seniors' Center is a vitally important resource for residents and a valued community gathering place,' said Miami City Manager Tyler Cline in a prepared statement released by city officials. 'The entire City of Miami administration, staff, Council, and Mayor are dedicated to doing all we can to help revitalize the center.' Miami's Chief Operating Officer Kevin Browning, who oversees facilities, released plans to add a new kitchen space. The Seniors' Center facility houses the DOCS program's kitchen, which provides senior citizens meals and services to residents throughout Ottawa County. Other plans include replacing the water line, updating and refreshing the facility's aesthetics with new paint, replacing carpeted areas with better flooring, and adding new appliances and other furnishings. Grand Gateway, Rural Economic Action Plan, and United Way grants will fund the $90,000 improvement project. Currently, the center offers an on-site gym, a three-table poolroom, a library filled with books, games, and puzzles, a 1/8-mile outdoor walking track sponsored by Integris Health, two meeting rooms, and a rentable ballroom with a soon-to-be-completed on-site kitchen. Activities offered at this time include pay-to-play Bingo, Bunco, pool tournaments, card games, Canasta and Bridge, Mexican Train Dominos, exercise and stretching classes, Tai Chi classes, and community events. Following the dissolution of the former Miami Seniors' Center board, the group was reorganized, and the ownership reverted to the city. A newly formed Board of Directors will oversee the Center and serve as an advisory board to the Miami City Council. Members of the Miami Seniors' Center board are: Chairperson/President Kyla Jones Vice Chair/Vice President Carmen Couch Secretary Carol Underhill Treasurer Kathy Wright Member Eldon Johnston The Miami Seniors Center Board is also looking at creating guidelines and a fee schedule for public rental use of the facility to expand the center's use and generate revenue. 'We're ready to have all the necessary things for the Center in place so we can get to all the fun stuff,' Jones said, 'We're looking at expanding the Center's use and making it accessible and attractive to our senior community. It's an exciting time for the Miami Senior Center.' The Miami Seniors' Center Board's regular meetings at the center are scheduled for the second Wednesday of each month and are open to the public. Membership fees are a yearly fee of $25, giving members access to the facility and most events and programs. Follow the Center's Facebook page for more updated information about activities and events. The Miami Seniors' Center, located at 2104 Denver Harner Drive in Miami, is open Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for more information, call (918) 542-5587. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
