Albemarle County Service Authority

The Board of Directors meeting included a service recognition for a long-term employee and a review of the monthly consent agenda items, including reports on capital improvement programs and infrastructure updates. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a presentation on the FY 2027 rate study, which examined various capital funding scenarios, customer growth projections, and the potential impact on monthly user bills. Additionally, the Board received a report on a facilities condition assessment for multiple pump stations and discussed future improvements. A resolution was adopted regarding the official intent to reimburse expenditures with proceeds of a future borrowing. The Board also conducted an executive session to perform the Executive Director's mid-year review.

The board meeting agenda focused on the review of public comments and financial reports, along with a presentation regarding the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 Capital Improvement Program. The meeting also addressed administrative updates, including consent agenda items such as monthly maintenance and IT updates, as well as the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority report.

Key discussions during the meeting included the Election of Officers, where Mr. Armstrong was elected Chair, Ms. Palmer as Vice-Chair, and Quin Lunsford as Secretary-Treasurer. The Board conducted recognitions, including reading a resolution in honor of former Board member Mr. Charles Tolbert and presenting Employee of the Month winners. Public comment involved a representative from United Land Corporation requesting the Board's assistance regarding an easement issue with the UVA Foundation for sewer access. The Consent Agenda items covered Financial Reports, CIP Reports, Project Close-outs, Maintenance and IT Updates, and the RWSA Monthly Update, which detailed dam repairs including the major Beaver Creek Dam replacement project. Significant time was dedicated to an overview of the FY 2027 Water and Rate Analysis by NewGen Strategies & Solutions, focusing on revenue requirements, escalation factors, customer growth projections, and the distinction between funding operating expenses, system maintenance, and system expansion capital expenses. Updates were also provided on the ACSA Website Utilization & Social Media performance for 2025 and the 2025 Annual Report accomplishments across various departments, noting progress in business continuity, IT infrastructure upgrades, and planned improvements like installing the Wet Well Wizard aeration device.

The meeting agenda included employee recognitions, notably for a 25-year service milestone. Key discussions centered on the proposed Fiscal Year 2025 Budget and Rates, which included a proposed 7% increase for service charges, partially offsetting a larger increase from the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority (RWSA). A workshop on the budget was scheduled for the following month, with adoption and a public hearing set for the June meeting. The Board also reviewed the FY 2025 Capital Improvement Program (CIP), totaling $12.1 million. Major CIP topics included water main replacements across several phases and areas (e.g., Crozet, Scottsville, Northfields, Barracks West, Townwood, Broadway Street, Raintree/Fieldbrook), and sewer projects such as the Airport Trunk Sewer Upgrade and the Buckingham Circle Sewer project, which requires design reevaluation. Significant attention was given to the Avon Operations Center project bids being substantially over budget due to site rock conditions, prompting plans for further geotechnical work before rebidding. The consent agenda covered monthly financial reports, CIP updates including electric vehicle charging status, and updates on the RWSA Pump Station flooding insurance and recovery negotiations. Other CIP items included the Customer Information System (CIS) project and ESRI Utility Network Implementation.

The meeting agenda included service recognitions for a retiring member and a long-serving employee. Key discussions involved the Consent Agenda, covering monthly financial reports, CIP updates, maintenance reports, and project updates, including the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Project. A Public Hearing was held for comments on the Proposed FY 2024 Budget and Rates. The Board considered the adoption of the Proposed FY 2023 Budget, CIP, and Rates, along with amendments to the ACSA Rules and Regulations and the Personnel Management Plan (PMP). Further agenda items addressed the authorization of an easement acquisition for the Crozet Phase 4 Water Main Replacement Project and the transfer of portions of the Scottsville Drinking Water System to the Rivanna Water and Sewer Authority (RWSA). The meeting concluded with an Executive Session for the Executive Director's Annual Performance Review.