Gary Bond

This document, a Final Report on a water rate study, aims to assess the adequacy of current water rates for the Fairview Water District and propose future adjustments for the fiscal years 2024-2025, 2026-2027, and subsequent years through 2030. The strategic objectives include forecasting financial requirements to meet projected capital improvements, operation and maintenance costs, and ensuring equitable distribution of costs among various user types. The plan emphasizes encouraging efficient water use, simplifying administration, and aligning with industry standards through methodologies such as meter multiplier base rates and single-tier or multi-tier consumption charges, to ensure the long-term financial stability and mechanical integrity of the water system.

Key discussions included the status of the Wilson Well, which can now only be used in extreme emergencies until required state testing is completed. The Board authorized expenditures for repairing the District-owned GMC pickup truck (up to $10,000) and purchasing a new tow trailer (up to $14,000). The Board directed the General Manager to prioritize current system leaks and provide a list with estimated costs at the next meeting. Financially, the December 2025 Accounts Payable were approved, and the transition of financial reporting from American Business Software to QuickBooks was noted. The FY 2023-24 audit is complete and will be filed, with work beginning on the FY 2024-25 audit. Regarding old business, the Board set a Water Rate Workshop for February 21, 2026, and directed staff to work with a property owner on an edited draft Financial Management Policy for the February meeting. Final payment for the HydroCorp, Inc. contract was authorized upon receipt of all deliverables. New business involved appointing members to the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Budget Committee, submitting Draft Ordinance 2026-01 for notice publication, reviewing a draft General Manager job description, and discussing the Blum Lane Lot Line Adjustment, requiring a formal survey. The Board also passed a motion stating that the Commissioners do not condone disparaging comments made toward District staff by members of the public.

The special session agenda focused on several operational and financial matters. Key discussions included updates on system operations from the General Manager, such as well infrastructure projects, system leaks, and coordination with the County Roads Department regarding project requirements. The Board directed staff to communicate with the County concerning these requirements. The Board also reviewed and approved the November 2025 Accounts Payable. Discussions covered the status of the Well Rebuilds and Wilson Well Refurbishment, and a brief review of the completed water rate study from the Oregon Association of Water Utilities. Old business addressed staff authorization to communicate with legal counsel regarding HydroCorp, Inc. In new business, the Board approved a 50 percent reduction of the highest consumption charge for a property impacted by a water leak and appointed the Office Manager as the budget officer for FY 2026-2027. Further actions included authorizing access to the District's LGIP fund accounts for the General Manager and Office Manager, approving changes to Budget Committee tracking and term expirations, and directing that existing operating ordinances be reviewed and updated. The Board also authorized the General Manager to implement COLA adjustments for District staff based on the adopted budget.

Key discussions during the meeting included the General Manager's report on repairs to a damaged water line at the Tillamook County Fairgrounds and completion of work at the intersection of 3rd Street and Wilson River Loop. Staff provided updates on PFAS testing, the hiring of a new Water Utility Worker I, and initiation of procurement for a second District vehicle. The Board acknowledged the Office Manager's report regarding ongoing work on draft financial and personnel policies and review of conflicting resolutions. Financial matters involved the approval of the October 2025 Accounts Payable after corrections, review of the Budget v. Actuals report, and requesting a condensed, non-identifying format for future delinquent accounts reports. The Board also confirmed that audits for FY 2023-2024 and FY 2024-2025 are scheduled to commence. Old business focused on contracting a surveyor and installing fencing for the Wilson Well property following property boundary discussions, and ongoing communication regarding the Water Rate Study. Furthermore, the Board discussed water pressure issues on Westwood Court, clarifying that system improvements would not address deficiencies in private plumbing, recommending homeowners hire licensed plumbers for private system issues.

The Board meeting addressed several key items, including public comment regarding water pressure issues in the Westwood Court service area, which was followed up with a review of system operations and staff conclusions confirming normal operating pressure. A customer request for a water bill adjustment due to a leak was approved, granting a 50% reduction on the consumption portion of the affected bill. In reports, the General Manager provided updates on ongoing repair work near the Fairgrounds and at the Wilson wellhouse. The Board approved several financial actions, including payments for September 2025 Accounts Payable and a review of the Budget vs. Actuals Report. New business included the approval of three resolutions: Resolution 2025-04 adopting an updated Social Media Policy, Resolution 2025-05 adopting a Disposal of Surplus Property Policy, and Resolution 2025-06 adopting an updated Public Records Policy, which included an amendment regarding staff time fees. Finally, the Board directed staff to forward recommendations developed for the ongoing water rate study to the Oregon Association of Water Utilities.