Brownsville Public Utilities Board

The agenda includes several action items related to bid awards for electrical inventory and polemount/padmount transformers, as well as the North Regional Force Main Project. The Board will also address the renewal of annual contracts for janitorial and grounds keeping services, and review professional engineering services for a waterline project. Policy discussions involve proposed amendments to personnel policies concerning vacation leave, nepotism, anti-fraud measures, and a new delegation of authority policy. Additionally, the Board will review the printing and mailing services for utility bills, consider an interlocal purchasing agreement with TXShare, and discuss the board's policy on policies and procedures. Presentations will cover the financial performance report, budget reviews for operations and maintenance, the fiscal year 2027 budget calendar, and a drought update. A closed session is scheduled to discuss litigation, real property matters, power purchasing, and audit results.

The board meeting included the presentation of the Project Share scholarship program and the recognition of its 11 recipients. The board approved the consent agenda, with the exception of item 13 which was tabled. The General Manager provided a report on the board calendar, including office closures and upcoming industry conferences. Additionally, the finance department presented the financial performance report for the period ending April 30, and the operations and maintenance six-month budget review, addressing budget variances in meter services due to the reclassification of communication costs for new AMI meters from CIP to O&M.

The meeting included reports on water production and distribution, an update on communication power outages at the treatment facility, and a progress report on removal analysis data. The board approved the first-year renewal option for a rental contract for a portable diesel generator to provide backup power for the microfiltration system. Furthermore, the board deliberated on and ultimately adopted an amended attendance policy for board members, which includes guidelines for excused absences and definitions of acceptable attendance via electronic means.

The committee reviewed the financial performance report for the period ending April 30, 2026, noting that key financial metrics are in compliance. Discussions covered the status of the capital improvement plan, operating revenues and expenses, and the flow of funds. The committee also received a presentation on updated purchasing procedures, including new thresholds for competitive bidding and procurement card usage, and conducted a mid-year budget review for operations and maintenance, resulting in a transfer to contingency funds.

The committee discussed the proposed governance refresh regarding policies and procedures, focusing on separating board-adopted policies from administration-developed procedures to improve accountability and agility. Additionally, the committee reviewed updates to personal policies concerning vacation leave, including changes to notice requirements and payout rules for employees, as well as revisions to the conflict of interest policy aimed at clarifying definitions and aligning with regulations.