Brian Baker

The Audit Committee meetings covered key financial and operational resolutions, including the issuance and sale of revenue and refunding bonds for water and sewage systems. The committee reviewed project plans for Clean Water State Revolving Fund funding, discussed biennial budget modifications, and examined quarterly financial, investment, and economic outlook reports. Additionally, the committee addressed procurement pipeline updates, affordability and assistance program reviews, and self-certification processes for micro-purchases.

The Board of Directors held a meeting and public hearings to discuss the proposed biennial budget for fiscal years 2027 and 2028, as well as the proposed water and sewerage service charges for fiscal year 2027. The Board reviewed and approved various consent matters, including contract amendments for engineering, design, and repair services, along with requisitions for operational support. The public hearings featured testimony from numerous residents and community representatives regarding the proposed budget and rate increases. Following the hearings, the Board adopted the biennial budget, the schedule of service charges, and the fiscal year 2027-2031 capital improvement plan.

The board meeting covered several operational and administrative topics. Key items included the receipt of correspondence regarding water system projects and rate increases, approval of various contracts and requisitions for infrastructure improvements such as pump station work, CSO outfall rehabilitation, and sludge conveyance system upgrades. The Board reviewed the first quarter budget amendments, approved amendments to legal services contracts, and authorized the publication of notices of intent to issue revenue bonds for water and sewage disposal systems. Additionally, the Board received presentations on the biennial budget and capital improvement plans, and held a closed session regarding attorney-client communication before approving a resolution for the settlement of matters with Dearborn.

The committee meeting focused on several operational and resources agenda items. Key discussions and approvals included proposed amendments for architectural, engineering, and design services; change orders for water transmission main and priority repairs; professional engineering services for yard piping, valves, and venturi meters; systems control center support services; conveyance system engineering services; rehabilitation of sewer systems; design services for disinfection system improvements; and crane services and inspections. All items discussed were recommended for approval to the Board of Directors.

The Operations and Resources Committee reviewed various procurement and infrastructure projects, including reservoir inspection services, treatment plant improvements, sewer district assessments, and facility upgrades. The committee recommended several resolutions for approval to the Board of Directors, which relate to appropriations for pipeline renewals, water main replacements, pump station rehabilitations, and other utility infrastructure projects. It was agreed that these items would be moved to the Board's Consent Matters for the upcoming meeting.