Caribou Utilities District

The meeting addressed budget and financial reports for April 2024, including a significant jump in office expenses due to payroll adjustments. There was discussion around adjustments needed for payroll, PTO, and other accounting issues. The committee discussed high expenses in plant maintenance and repairs, including troubleshooting at the Grimes plant and the purchase of a chemical feed pump. Concerns were raised about the electric power utilities expenses and tools and equipment expenses. The general manager provided updates on the High Service area complication upgrades project and the new second river crossing project. The committee also discussed applying for a grant from the Maine Emergency Management Agency for infrastructure projects. Water treatment plant upgrades were discussed, including new metering pumps and well pumps. The SRF application to DP for Grimes Phase 2 was submitted on April 8th. The committee touched on the AAP work experience program and release leans on account written off.

The meeting included discussion and approval of the budget and financial reports for March 2024. The general manager provided updates on various projects, including the Grimes Phase 2 SRF application, Chadwick Bay road project, and a 1.48% water rate increase. There was also discussion regarding a discharge incident, water garage reshingling, and main office residing and reshingling. The board addressed letters from the drinking water program, including a clerical error in the 2022 consumer confidence report and testing for endothal and diquat chemicals. An executive session was scheduled for an update on an ongoing issue.

The meeting included discussions on health insurance for both companies, with a review of the premium payments and budget considerations. There was also a discussion regarding the office expenses, specifically the outsourcing of bills and payroll. Updates were provided on the water department, including the submission of a clean water SR Grant application for the river crossing project. The redundant server was separated from the active server and isolated in a different building. The office rehab is done except for the heat pumps installation.

The meeting included discussions and updates on various projects, such as the booster station punch list and the river crossing. A grant for the river crossing was received. There were updates on the Grimes phase two project and the Chadwick extension. The FEMA funding application was submitted and is being reworked based on feedback. The board discussed capital project strategy and preventative maintenance schedules. There was also a discussion on heat pump siding and roof repair, and an update on the status of grants for the units. Additionally, there was a motion to add a member to the bank statements and credit union accounts.

The meeting included appointing a district clerk and tabling the election of President, Treasurer, and assistant Treasurer until the next meeting. The board approved the minutes of the December 14th, 2023 monthly meeting, as well as the annual budget and financial reports for December 2023. The General Manager's report covered the booster Pump Station project, tank painting project, and the river crossing project. Discussions also involved the Grimes Phase 2 project, the Chadwick Bay rocks project, and a Water Treatment Plant upgrade.