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Eufaula Water Works: Leading the Charge in Municipal Utility Innovation

In an era where large corporations dominate the narrative of technological advancement, the Eufaula Water Works & Sewer Board is emerging as a beacon of innovation in the municipal utility sector. Situated in southeast Alabama, this small but mighty utility is set to redefine what it means to be efficient and community-focused.

With a modest team of 28 dedicated employees serving a population of nearly 15,000 residents, Eufaula Water Works is not letting its size hinder its ambitions. The utility has partnered with OpenGov, a leading provider of AI and ERP solutions for local governments, to implement cutting-edge technologies that streamline operations and improve service delivery.

Transformational Partnership with OpenGov

Eufaula Water Works has taken significant steps towards modernization by opting for OpenGov’s comprehensive platform. Having already deployed OpenGov’s ERP system across crucial areas such as Financial Management, Procurement & Contract Management, and Enterprise Asset Management, the utility board is now embracing a new phase of its digital transformation.

In addition to integrating these systems, Eufaula Water Works has undertaken a city-wide Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meter changeout project, a significant initiative that speaks volumes about their commitment to providing quality service. It’s a testament to their comprehensive strategy of enhancing operational efficiency while ensuring that residents have access to the resources they need.

Commitment to Community

Kevin Heartsill, the General Manager of Eufaula Water Works, articulated the utility's aspirations: "We wanted to become a model utility for the region. That meant changing how we worked. We’re a small utility with a big mission. And now we’ve got the tools to match." This reflects a deep commitment not just to internal improvement, but also to educational initiatives aimed at informing constituents about the critical importance of water and wastewater services.

Residents can expect an enhanced experience thanks to the utility's forthcoming Constituent Relationship Management application, which will facilitate better communication and a more streamlined approach toward customer service. Furthermore, the utility now offers a one-stop-shop for digital services, including online payments and transparent communication, which has significantly simplified interactions for both residents and staff.

Setting Standards for Innovation

Prior to this technological overhaul, Eufaula Water Works faced similar challenges as many smaller utilities: a disconnected system that leaned excessively on institutional knowledge. However, the vision for maximum efficiency and resilience has propelled Eufaula Water Works into a league of its own, where they are setting a benchmark for innovation in smaller municipalities.

Claudia Arriaga, SVP of Customer Success at OpenGov, commented on Eufaula Water Works’ achievements, stating, “Eufaula Water Works is showing that governments of all sizes can take on major projects and succeed. By unifying financials, procurement, and asset management in one platform, they’ve reduced daily stress for employees, improved service options for residents, and built a utility that’s prepared for the future.” This statement underscores the potential for smaller communities to modernize and enhance their service offerings effectively.

The Road Ahead

As Eufaula Water Works and OpenGov advance their relationship, the focus will continue to be on utilizing technology to foster community trust and empowerment. With the necessary tools and infrastructure in place, Eufaula Water Works is not just a utility; it's an exemplary model of how innovation can transform local governance for the better.

For those in the municipal utility space and beyond, Eufaula Water Works is proof that when it comes to embracing innovation and modernization, every utility—no matter its size—has an opportunity to excel. The future looks bright for Eufaula, setting a high standard for what small utilities can achieve through thoughtful technology adoption and community engagement.