Austin Utilities

The meeting included a public presentation regarding smart meter concerns and a request to opt-out of the AMI program, which was addressed by staff. The Board discussed and approved first-quarter charge-offs and authorized a $3,500 donation to the Austin Freedom Festival. Staff reports covered the 2025 operating margin and planned capital improvements, construction project updates, an agreement for utility infrastructure drilling, and internal personnel matters. Additionally, management provided updates on committee minutes, past-due accounts, and upcoming commissioner re-election filings.

The meeting featured a presentation and discussion regarding an AMI policy for commercial properties and the clarification of opt-out procedures. The Board approved a new petty cash policy, establishing a $250 reimbursement limit and defining fund management responsibilities. Leadership provided updates on an employee survey, current personnel vacancies, and internal promotions. Additionally, the Board reviewed information regarding cybersecurity trends, the status of 2025 financial closings, and progress on Time of Use rates. Operational updates were provided regarding state-mandated water service fees, committee minutes, and safety recognition.

The Board approved the disbursement summary and accounts payable list. An Elected Official Travel Policy was adopted, and travel requests for an upcoming legislative conference were authorized. The Board reviewed Resolution No. 335 regarding the delegation of General Manager authority and discussed succession planning. Updates were provided on the downtown water reservoir inspection status. The Board approved the Distributed Generation Tariff and accepted the Qualifying Facilities report. Additionally, Resolution No. 344 regarding the ground lease with SMMPA for the future Austin Energy Station site was approved. The General Manager provided updates on various operational topics, including safety committee minutes, natural gas costs, and open job positions.

The meeting involved the adjournment of the 2025 Board of Commissioners and the convening and reorganization of the 2026 Board, including the election of a new President and Vice President, and appointment of the Secretary. Key actions included approving disbursements, approving charge-offs for 2025 and the corresponding HeatShare report, and approving resolutions for accepting donations and designating depositories for 2026. The board also approved the annual insurance liability waiver. A bid for the NE substation transformer replacement was awarded to Niagara Power Transformer. A proposal regarding the construction of a 1.0 MG elevated storage tank and improvements to the water system was tabled pending further research on the existing Downtown Reservoir and water consumption estimates. The board approved a new Public Purpose Expenditure Policy, which included establishing an Employee Wellness and Recognition Program and discontinuing the volunteer program. Components of Employment, including a 4% COLA for 2026, were approved for former UAW union members who are now non-contract employees following a decertification vote. Updates were provided on SMMPA meeting minutes, safety committee minutes, MMUA legislative issues, the discontinuation of the penny, an all-employee meeting, and a promotion to Engineering Supervisor.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and the minutes from the previous meeting. Key discussions included updates from the General Manager regarding the SMMPA meeting, safety committee minutes, a staff resignation, planned attendance at the APPA Legislative Conference, receipt of the Dupont settlement, and information on overtime backpay for dispatch positions. The Board subsequently entered and exited a closed session for strategy related to labor negotiations. In open session, the Board unanimously approved the labor union contracts for AFSCME and UFCW for the 2026-2028 period, along with the Base Pay Schedule (BPS) for 2026-2028, which includes Cost of Living Adjustments of 4% for 2026, 3.5% for 2027, and 3% for 2028. Additionally, benefit changes for non-contract employees commencing January 1st, 2026, aligning with AFSCME benefits, were approved.