Joetta Guist

The Board of Directors held a working session to conduct a preliminary review of the fiscal year 2027 budget framework and the five-year capital improvement plan. Key discussion points included the potential transition to a biennial budget cycle, projected water and wastewater rate increases driven by capital infrastructure needs, and strategies for managing system development fees. The Board also reviewed expenditure assumptions, including cost-of-living salary adjustments, health insurance and retirement contribution projections, and requests for new departmental positions. Financial oversight was discussed, including the maintenance of cash reserves for hurricane response and the assessment of fleet replacement strategies, including potential partnerships with the county for vehicle leasing. Major infrastructure projects were reviewed, including water tank and transmission main construction, stream crossing replacements, and pump station relocations.

The board meeting agenda includes the review and approval of departmental reports, administrative service agreements with local towns, and an amendment to an existing employment contract. Key business items involve the presentation, public hearing, and adoption of the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget and updated capital improvement plan. Additional discussions cover an amended project ordinance for water supply planning and development, the renewal of the annual audit contract, and approval of a major contract amendment for the Southeast Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion. The meeting also includes a closed session for attorney-client privileged consultations.

The board discussed and adopted the budget ordinance and capital improvement plan, which included updates to water and sewer rate structures and the addition of water and sewer line replacement projects. The board also approved an amended project ordinance for exploratory PD test wells to support water supply planning. The meeting included a public hearing on the budget and discussions regarding the impact of rate structures on different customer tiers and the potential for water source development.

The Board of Directors held an election of officers for 2026. Key discussion items included a financial update regarding mid-year fiscal performance, revenue projections, and arbitrage liability, as well as a status report on the FY25 audit, which has been delayed due to a software-related trial balance issue. The Board approved the sale of timber on Authority property and authorized amendments to the audit contract to extend deadlines, with further authorization for the CEO to secure additional extensions if necessary. The Chief Executive Officer provided updates on system growth, infrastructure projects, and participation in grant-funded resilience initiatives.

The board meeting covers several key operational and financial initiatives, including the authorization of a containment letter for property easements, the approval of electrical utility easements for the Highway 24 wastewater utility corridor project, and the procurement of a utility truck for the collections department. The agenda also includes the presentation of the annual comprehensive financial report, the execution of master agreements for professional engineering consulting services, the acceptance of a state water infrastructure grant for the southeast wastewater treatment plant project, and a proposed plan for the sale of timber through a competitive bid process.