History of PWC

PWC Vision & Mission Statements

The Public Works Commission was created on March 4, 1905, through an act of the State Legislature, to manage, operate, and supervise the three utilities -- electric, water and sanitary sewer -- as well as to be responsible for operating the city market stalls, and to test weights and measures. The Act establishing the Public Works Commission specified that the Board of Alderman (now the City Council) appoint three Commissioners for a period of three years each, with staggered terms.

Today, the Commission consists of four members, appointed by the City Council to serve four-year staggered terms. The Commissioners elect a Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer; they meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month.

The site of the old City Hall on Green Street was leased in October, 1914, for the purpose of erecting an office and an electrical substation for Public Works Commission. The substation became overloaded during the 1930's and was relocated to Williams Street. The office facilities also became inadequate for the increased work of the Commission, and a City Hall was erected on the site during 1941. A separate Public Works Commission Administration Building was completed in February, 1966, at 508 Person Street.

In 1987-1988, PWC purchased a 65-acre tract of land and began developing a centralized PWC Complex in order to consolidate all operating and administrative functions. This centralization of non-plant facilities lends itself to efficiency and effectiveness which extends to manpower requirements, equipment utilization, materials management, information flow, customer service, security and control of operations. Facilities at the PWC Complex include the Administration Bldg., Operations Center, Fleet Maintenance, Electronic Fuel Islands, Warehouse and Storage Yard, Electric Meter Shop, Apparatus Repair Shop, Water Meter Shop and Vehicle/Small Equipment Storage Sheds. In August 2000, PWC opened its Customer Service Center in the Robert C Williams Business Center downtown Fayetteville.

Through the foresight of Fayetteville's forefathers, the citizens of Fayetteville have, in their Public Works Commission, a significant community asset with a proud history. The Public Works Commission has kept up with demands for electric, water and sanitary sewer utilities to serve the rapidly growing city and surrounding urbanized areas. Water and sanitary sewer rates are comparable to other major cities in North Carolina, while electric rates are extremely competitive.

More than five hundred employees benefit from jobs provided to local residents. The employees, in turn, work diligently to serve the needs of their families, friends, and fellow ratepayers.