Brownsville Public Utilities Board

The committee reviewed the financial performance report, including flow of funds and key financial metrics like debt service coverage. Updates were provided on the Capital Improvement Plan delivery performance, noting variances caused by supplier delays and contract execution issues. A grant activity update highlighted current projects in the pipeline and federal/state funding matches. Additionally, the committee discussed a water and wastewater residential charge comparison against other regional utilities, highlighting infrastructure and geographic factors impacting rates.

The board conducted the third and final workshop regarding the utility's cost of service and rate review process. The discussion focused on proposed changes to rate design, which include moving certain fixed costs from the Fuel and Purchase Power Cost charge into base rates, renaming the energy charge to a delivery charge, and removing tiers to establish a flat rate. Additionally, the board discussed lowering the threshold for commercial demand customers, transitioning municipal rates to a uniform discount, and establishing a community benefit charge to fund specific programs. Plans were made to package the findings and recommendations for presentation to the city commission at a future meeting.

The committee reviewed the financial performance report for the period ending February 28, 2026, noting that all key metrics are in compliance and debt service coverage remains strong. Additionally, the committee discussed and recommended the selection of Timmons Group as the vendor for the GIS data migration and ESRI utility network project, noting their technical expertise and experience. Finally, the committee reviewed the third-year subscription renewal for the Smartworks meter data management system used for the advanced metering infrastructure project.

The Board of Directors meeting addressed several operational and financial matters. Key actions included the approval of the annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025, and the approval of bid awards for electrical inventory materials from multiple vendors. Additionally, the Board discussed the 2026-2030 electric cost of service study and rate review, with presentations covering cost allocations, rate design, and the transition of nomenclature for energy supply charges and transmission costs.

The board discussed community outreach activities, including sponsorships of local leagues and conferences regarding water infrastructure. The primary agenda item was a presentation on the new development process, outlining the seven-step project life cycle for utility connections, from customer intake and engineering design to construction coordination and project close-out. The discussion highlighted the roles of internal tools like City Works, the importance of accurate record-keeping, and the challenges of managing project timelines amid utility infrastructure demands.