Heather Manning

The board participated in a strategic planning workshop session. Key discussion topics included a review of strategic themes, board priorities, and findings from stakeholder surveys and focus groups. The board discussed utility reliability, service consistency, financial responsibility, affordability, and the development of the strategic plan framework, ultimately reaching a consensus to adopt the updated strategic plan in the upcoming meeting.

The Board discussed a variety of operational and financial items, including the recognition of service awards and utility safety achievements. Key business included the consideration and adoption of the revised Strategic Plan, a review of the monthly financial statement, and the approval of the FY 2025-2026 budget amendment and reimbursement resolutions for various capital projects. Additionally, the Board reviewed and adopted the FY 2026-2027 Operating and Capital Projects Budgets, which included planned investments in electric, water, sewer, and gas utility systems. The Board also discussed reimbursement resolutions for vehicle and equipment expenditures.

The Board of Commissioners discussed various recognition programs, including safety awards and workforce health ratings. They reviewed bids for utility infrastructure projects such as the Boviet Substation and transmission pole relocations. The board addressed a Memorandum of Understanding with Pitt County regarding a Megasite grant for infrastructure studies. Additionally, the Board examined monthly financial statements for multiple funds and adopted the preliminary budget for the upcoming fiscal year, incorporating organizational changes, capital project updates, and adjustments for market merit and benefits programs.

The joint meeting focused on new business regarding recommendations from a classification and compensation study consultant and the consideration of a market adjustment and merit allocation program for the upcoming fiscal year. Additionally, the board reviewed the employer contribution for the 401(k) plan.

The Board meeting included several recognition segments, honoring the Neighbor to Neighbor fundraiser, the American Public Power Association Safety Award of Excellence, and Finance Department awards. Action items addressed included the review of the monthly financial statement and consideration for the adoption of the preliminary fiscal year 2026-27 budget. Additionally, the Board discussed reports from the General Manager and heard remarks from Board members and the Chair.