The Greeneville Water Department is planning approximately $285,000 in upgrades, according to discussion Tuesday at a meeting of the Greeneville Water Commission.

An estimated $250,000 will be required for clear-well upgrades at the Water Treatment Plant, according to Laura White, water superintendent.

The project will correct a flaw in piping that is preventing the plant from operating at capacity, White said.

The Water Department has applied for a grant that could cover the entire cost of the clear-well upgrades, White noted.

The commission did not vote, but agreed that bids could be sought for the project.

The commission also agreed that bids could be accepted for painting 10-12 sewer pump stations for preventive maintenance.

The estimated cost is $2,500 per pump station, White said.

The commission voted to replace the master meter on Whitehouse Road, which serves the Cross Anchor Utility District.

White said the replacement will be a 6-inch meter, and the last one purchased cost $4,860.

In other business, White presented a written "Status Report" from McGill Associates on the water and sewer rate analysis.

The report states that a financial model spreadsheet has been prepared using audit information from 2009, 2010 and 2011, along with the five-month actual costs for 2011-12 and the projected budget.

"The financial information shows losses (expenditures exceeding revenues) in all of these years, but the annual comparative amount of loss does not vary significantly," the report states.

"This shows some stability in the revenues and expenses from year to year, which reflects current stability in the system operations for both water and sewer," the report states.

The firm plans to make projections for the next five years and complete the tasks this month, the report said.

White said the firm should present its findings at the commission's meeting this month.

Barry Wright, of Rodefer Moss & Co., presented the Water Department's 2010-11 financial audit.

He said the audit included no findings and an unqualified opinion, which is the most favorable opinion.

He noted that auditors did not have to make adjustments to the Water Department's financial statements.

The commission also recognized Henard Myers, who recently retired from the Water Department after 20 years of service.

Myers, who worked in the shop area, did not attend the meeting.