The Shelby County Committee Meeting held on April 30, 2025, focused on critical infrastructure updates, particularly concerning aging lift stations in the area. Chris Mason from Shelby County Engineering presented an overview of the current state of these facilities, emphasizing the need for replacement due to their outdated technology and increasing maintenance costs.

Mason explained that the existing lift stations, some over 20 years old, have been maintained with temporary fixes rather than complete replacements. The plan discussed involves replacing three of these stations and eliminating one by transitioning to a gravity-fed system that will connect to a new City of Memphis subdivision. This change is expected to significantly reduce maintenance costs and improve reliability, as the new systems will utilize modern electronics and sensors instead of older vacuum pumps.

Commissioner Brooks inquired about the specific age of the pump at Mount Pisgah School, which was installed during the conversion of a former bus depot. Mason acknowledged the need to verify the exact installation date and agreed to provide that information. Brooks also raised concerns about the criteria used to determine which lift stations are prioritized for replacement, noting that Shelby County currently maintains five stations while others are managed by the City of Memphis.

The discussion highlighted the potential consequences of failing to upgrade these facilities, including increased pollution risks and sewer overflows, particularly from the Sledge Road pumping station. Mason noted that without proper functioning lift stations, communities could face serious environmental issues.

The meeting concluded with a consensus on the urgency of addressing these infrastructure needs to ensure the health and safety of Shelby County residents. Further follow-up actions were planned to gather additional data and finalize the replacement schedule for the aging lift stations.