Jeffrey W. Szabo

The committee reviewed the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget and rate proposal, which aims to support infrastructure investment and long-term financial stability. Discussion included the proposed $364 million budget, which covers operating, capital, and debt service requirements. The committee examined staffing levels, ensuring that position eliminations were justified by department heads, and ultimately approved the recommended rates and fees as well as the proposed operating, capital, and debt service budgets.

The board meeting agenda focused on the extension and approval of various service and construction contracts, including maintenance for infrastructure, water supply, and building services. Financial matters were addressed, including budget amendments, rate and fee recommendations for services, and approval of payments for invoices. Several equipment acquisitions and renewals for software subscriptions and support were authorized. Additionally, the board discussed special services such as radio frequency consulting and on-call engineering services, along with internal personnel matters and appointments.

The board meeting addressed multiple operational and administrative items, including a new 40-year water system agreement with the Village of Saltaire. The Board reviewed and awarded various contracts for infrastructure maintenance, including water service tap installations, SCADA maintenance, and the supply of construction materials and fuel. Budget amendments were approved for infrastructure projects, and several requests for equipment and consulting services were authorized. Additionally, the Board reviewed invoices for payment, approved personnel actions such as new hires and promotions, established salary structures for summer interns, and authorized litigation related to environmental matters and infrastructure damage.

The board discussed and approved the Fiscal Year 2027 budget and rate proposal, which includes a 2.8% rate increase to support infrastructure and water treatment investments. Key operational updates included the startup of seasonal wells, progress on ARPA-funded infrastructure projects, and a 40-year agreement to operate the Saltaire water system. Various contract extensions and new awards were authorized for services including insurance, legal, construction, and equipment procurement. Additionally, the board approved research support for PFAS removal technology and personnel actions, including hiring and promotions within multiple departments.

The meeting featured a presentation on the Fiscal Year 2027 Budget and Rate Proposal, along with updates on the Oakdale Campus project including site work progress and the contract award for the new operations building. Discussions covered the expansion of the HomeServe partnership, contract extensions for various legal, maintenance, and engineering services, and the approval of bids for construction, equipment, and supply procurement. The Board addressed special service requests, IT infrastructure and cybersecurity upgrades, personnel hiring actions, and proposed land acquisition and uncollectible balance write-off policies. Additionally, the meeting included authorization for well construction applications and conference attendance approvals.