Dawn M. Louden

The Finance and Budget Committee held its annual budget meeting to review the preliminary budget for the fiscal year 2026-2027 (April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027). Discussions covered operational needs, capital asset planning, and service costs across various divisions. Key human resources topics included the focus on recruiting and retaining qualified staff, with the authority reaching 100 employees, and anticipating three senior retirements. The budget included a 4.25% wage pool for adjustments. Health insurance costs anticipated $1.2 million, reflecting a switch to a new plan effective January 1, 2026, which slightly decreased costs for the authority and employees. Post-employment benefits continue to be funded at $3 per hour per employee. New York State Pension costs increased by approximately 1.5% overall, though future costs are expected to decrease as Tier 4 employees are replaced by Tier 6 employees upon retirement. Workers' compensation rates remained stable or decreased slightly in some divisions. Organizational structure changes included moving telecom outside plant under engineering for centralized management. Capital project discussions detailed carryover expenses, including a financial system upgrade, significant landfill projects ($10 million for closure five), and major telecom projects such as the NCIA National Grid project ($15.8 million). Administration budget highlights included fleet leasing revenues and a cost restructuring for office cleaning services. A significant increase in computer programming and software costs ($213,000 increase) was attributed to dual licensing during the implementation of the new ERP system (Dynamics 365) and the migration to Microsoft 365, which also requires consulting fees. The budget also introduced a new annual cost of $45,000 for Managed Detection and Response (MDR) cybersecurity services due to increasing threats.

The committee reviewed and approved several administrative policies. Key actions included the approval of the Disposition of Real Property Policy, the Investment Policy with a position title update, the Procurement Policy with added clarification regarding competitive quotes, and modifications to the Purchase Card Policy which also included an updated position title.

The meeting served as the preliminary budget meeting for the Authority's fiscal year April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027. Discussions covered the preliminary budgets across various divisions. The Human Resources budget addressed recruitment, retention, a 4.25% wage pool, health insurance costs, and retirement contributions. The Administrative Division budget included expenditures for fleet leases, professional fees related to migrating email to Microsoft 365 and implementing a Managed Detection and Response (MDR) security system. Materials Management discussed proposed increases to the rate per ton for MSW and nonbeneficial material, budgeting to utilize $1.1 million from the Tip Fee Stabilization Reserve, and capital projects including landfill gas improvements and leachate treatment due to pending regulations. The Telecommunications budget review highlighted increased customer billings, decreased grant revenue, and capital projects such as network upgrades and a DWDM platform replacement. Regional Development detailed staffing increases, marketing for Next Move NY, and rural broadband initiatives, noting the North Country Economic Development Fund recommendation. Water Quality detailed budget reviews for Army Sewer Line, Army Water Line, and Regional Water Line, including rate adjustments due to emergency major repairs on the Army Water Line and amendments to Water Quality Contracts due to increased operational costs. The Engineering budget reflected salary increases due to the transfer of outside plant engineers from the Telecom division, alongside anticipated increased projects related to future PFAS regulations.

The Governance Committee meeting focused on the annual review and approval of several key policies through corresponding resolutions. This included the Disposition of Real Property Policy (Resolution 2026201) with no modifications recommended, the Investment Policy (Resolution 2026202) which included a minor title update from Accountant 2 to Senior Accountant, and the Procurement Policy (Resolution 2026203) which clarified language regarding aggregate purchasing limits per vendor for small purchases to align with state finance law. Additionally, the Purchase Card Policy (Resolution 2026205) received an update to reflect the title change to Senior Accountant. The committee also addressed Resolution 2026206, authorizing the executive director to implement the compensation plan, which included a 4.25% wage pool adjustment consistent with the fiscal year 2027 budget recommendations and recent wage studies.

The Board meeting commenced with a report on a presentation delivered to the St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators concerning the Authority's general operations and specific activities within the county, including discussions about cost increases and waste-to-energy proposals. The majority of the meeting was dedicated to the annual review and approval of several required policies, including the Disposition of Real Property Policy, Investment Policy, Procurement Policy, Purchase Card Policy, and Travel and Miscellaneous Expense Policy. Furthermore, the Board unanimously approved the Fiscal Year 2027 budgets across Administrative, Engineering, Materials Management, Regional Development, and Telecommunications Divisions, which included adjustments to tipping fees for the Materials Management Division. Approvals were also granted for capital projects and reserve maintenance across divisions. The Board authorized the Executive Director to negotiate several agreements and amendments, including an Easement Agreement with National Grid and an amendment to a Hamilton County agreement. A loan extension for Tug Hill Artisan Roasters LLC and Clayton Improvement Association was approved. The Board also authorized an application for the Department of War SkillBridge Program. Discussions covered an update on the Next Move NY initiative, which is successfully enrolling employers and placing transitioning service members. The Finance report detailed changes in Net Position related to restricted assets and unearned income from major projects like the National Grid expansion and NTIA project. Staff also updated the Board on anticipated changes in leachate management requirements, expecting a shift to a 99.9% contaminant removal standard, for which the Authority is proactively preparing.