Doug Leath

The meeting commenced with an invocation and pledge of allegiance. The board approved changes to the agenda, including a prior boarding change for agenda item three. Following public comments, the board held an election of officers, nominating and electing a new chair and vice chair. Recognition was given for the seventh consecutive year of receiving the GFOA Award of Excellence for the comprehensive financial report. The consent agenda, containing four items, was approved unanimously. The regular agenda included a Water Supply Condition Report for information purposes, detailing rainfall, river flow, and storage conditions through January, noting below-average rainfall and river flows requiring reliance on the ASR system. The report also covered regional water production use for December, showing total regional demand at 87% of capacity. Discussions also addressed the Southwest Florida Water Management District's modified Phase 2 water shortage order and its implications for customer watering restrictions, concluding with a recommendation for regional conservation messaging.

The Peace River Manasota Regional Water Supply Authority's 2026 Strategic Plan outlines the organization's roadmap for providing wholesale drinking water, supporting regional economic growth, and enhancing quality of life. The plan is structured around four core values: Cooperation & Collaboration, Resiliency, Financial Stability, and Leadership & Water Advocacy. It aims to create, maintain, and expand a sustainable, interconnected regional water supply system, ensuring a high-quality, safe, and reliable water supply while fostering regional collaboration and environmental stewardship.

The agenda for the Board of Directors' meeting included the Election of Officers for 2026, including Chairman and Vice-Chairman. Recognition was scheduled for the Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Achievement Award. The Consent Agenda included the approval of the minutes from the December 3, 2025, meeting, and receiving and filing reports on the Year-End Financial Status for FY 2025 and the Semi-Annual Investment Report as of September 30, 2025. The Regular Agenda covered several critical topics: the Water Supply Conditions Report, considerations for the FY 2027 Budget, the FDOT Kings Highway Widening Project, and the Strategic Plan 2026. The General Counsel's Report addressed the Phase 2B Pipeline Easement Mediation Update, and the Executive Director's Report included an update on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Letter of Financial Assurance.

The meeting included a status report on water supply conditions, presented by the Director of Operations. The report indicated that water supply quantity was rated as 'Good' and treated water quality as 'Excellent' as of January 15, 2026. Data presented covered January water demand, river withdrawals, and storage volumes in reservoirs and ASR. A significant discussion point involved the SWFWMD Water Shortage Order, which was modified from Phase I to Modified Phase II effective February 8th through July 1st, impacting irrigation and other water use restrictions. The board also reviewed regional water production and use data for December 2025 across Charlotte, DeSoto, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties, and the City of North Port, noting high utilization rates in several areas.

The Board of Directors meeting included the election of the Chairman and Vice-Chairman for 2026. Recognition was given for receiving the Government Finance Officers Association Certificate of Achievement Award for the seventh consecutive year for the Fiscal Year 2024 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report. Key items under the Consent Agenda involved receiving and filing the Year-End Financial Status and Semi-Annual Investment Reports for FY 2025, and receiving and filing the FY 2025 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and Independent Auditors' Report, along with approval for its submittal to the GFOA program. Staff requested authorization to proceed with the 2026 Bonds (second tranche financing) for the Surface Water System Expansion Project. Under the Regular Agenda, the Board received a status report on Water Supply Conditions, which remain good regarding quantity and excellent regarding treated water quality, and a status update on the FY 2027 Budget schedule. Action was requested to accept and execute agreements related to the FDOT Kings Highway Widening Project to assess impacts on Authority assets. A status update was also provided regarding the draft 2026 Strategic Plan. The Executive Director sought consensus to authorize the Chairman to sign a Letter of Financial Assurance for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding the PR3 Project wetlands mitigation.