Jason Choate

The board approved disbursements for the previous month and reviewed operational reports for water, wastewater, and electric departments, noting positive net positions despite specific budgetary variances. Financial statements for May were approved. New business included the selection of Board Officers for FY27, the adoption of revisions to the Travel Policy, and the addition of three new staff positions to the Salary Administration Guidelines Policy. Staff provided updates on strategic planning, including customer communications, risk management software development, and infrastructure improvements. The board president highlighted organizational achievements and community participation, followed by a closed session to discuss personnel matters.

The Board reviewed and approved financial statements for March and April 2026. Key business included the approval of a loan to Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church d/b/a Little Lambs Childcare from the Revolving Loan Fund, the selection of B&L Electric, Inc. for the Power Plant and Plant Sub Relay Upgrade project, and the selection of Scott's Landscape and Excavation for a landscaping project. Staff provided reports on inventory scanning, employee recognition, the Tower 2 Tower fundraising event, utility water allocation, and cybersecurity. Additionally, the Board reviewed various departmental performance dashboards for May 2026.

The board discussed and approved several operational and financial matters, including the authorization of signatories, the purchase of a drive unit for the wastewater treatment plant, a pump and motor upgrade for a water well, and the continued engagement of an Integrated Resource Plan consultant. Additionally, the board approved the proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 budget and revisions to salary administration guidelines, and received updates regarding employee awards and new customer assistance programs.

The board meeting covered several key operational and financial topics, including reports on power, water, and IT services performance. Financial items included the approval of disbursements and the review of February financials. New business items addressed the approval of authorized signatures for financial accounts, the purchase of a new drive unit for the East Grit Chamber, the awarding of a contract for a Well 17 pump and motor upgrade, and the continued engagement of an Integrated Resource Plan consultant. Additionally, the board approved the proposed fiscal year 2026-2027 budget, featuring wage and rate adjustments, and authorized revisions to the Salary Administration Guidelines Policy. Staff reports highlighted the receipt of an RP3 award and the introduction of a new customer assistance program.

The Board meeting included presentations from the Chamber of Commerce regarding local events and partnerships. Operations reports covered financial performance across water, power, and IT departments, including updates on grants, equipment outages, and power adjustment revenues. New business actions involved approving a retirement resolution for a long-time manager, awarding contracts for an access road construction, well maintenance, a fiber optic splicing trailer, substation switches, and water line replacements. Additionally, the Board authorized an environmental study agreement and received staff updates on inventory QR coding, meter services, and future power capacity sales.