John Shively

The board meeting agenda includes the Treasurer's report regarding financial statements, and various committee reports covering the 2025 audit, water matters, and succession planning. The General Manager will present an executive summary, drought watch planning, capacity analysis updates, and an EUM/strategic plan regarding workforce benefits and compensation. Additionally, General Counsel will provide a report. New business items include a water service request for the Snow Country Nursery and a venue consideration for the Balloon Rodeo at Yampa Meadows Land.

The committee discussed organizational chart reviews, General Manager succession planning, and the TEAM platform. Key topics included effective utility management practices, specifically workforce development through team surveys, onboarding checklists, and compensation research, as well as financial viability and infrastructure strategy. Long-term planning regarding FTE requirements, organizational structures, and contract project management were also addressed.

This Water Supply Master Plan updates strategies to promote water supply resiliency for the City of Steamboat Springs and Mount Werner Water & Sanitation District. It addresses key vulnerabilities such as population growth, extended drought and climate change, wildland fire, and Colorado River Compact calls. The plan assesses current and future water supplies to meet projected municipal demands through 2070 and identifies supply alternatives to mitigate potential shortages, particularly focusing on growth preparedness, drought and wildfire planning, Colorado River Compact call response, water conservation, and developing redundant water sources.

The meeting commenced with the establishment of a quorum and call to order. Following staff introductions, the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting were approved. The Treasurer's Report included an overview of the August 31, 2025, financial statement, detailing revenues, operating costs, reserve balances, and a year-over-year comparison of metered water revenue. A presentation of the 2026 Preliminary Draft Budget was provided, covering anticipated increases in service charges (3% for water, 5% for wastewater collection), Plant Investment Fee (PIF) revenue projections, budgeted Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) expenses totaling $2.4M for 2026, and discussion of the 20-year Proforma projection. Two public hearings were held concerning the proposed 2026 service rate changes and PIF rate changes, resulting in the adoption of resolutions for a 3% increase in water service fees and a 5% increase in wastewater collection service fees, as well as corresponding increases in PIFs. Committee reports included the finalization of the 2024 Audit, updates on the Tenancy in Common Intergovernmental Agreement (TICIGA) negotiations, and discussions regarding staff hiring and the Effective Utility Management (EUM) Strategic Planning initiative. The General Manager's report highlighted staff work on a new executive summary format and responses to questions posed by the City of Steamboat Springs (COSS) regarding their Master Plan update. The EUM presentation detailed the utility's current performance assessment based on ten attributes, recommending a deep dive focus on Workforce Development and Financial Viability. Finally, General Counsel reported on the execution and recording of a utility easement agreement with the Yampa Valley Electric Association (YVEA). Unfinished business included selecting a date for the 2025 Holiday Party.

The meeting included a presentation of the 2024 audit by Watson Coon Ryan, LLC, which gave the District an unmodified opinion. The board held public hearings for the 2024 Supplemental Budget Appropriation and 2026 Plant Investment Fees Rate Changes. There were committee reports from the Budget and Audit Committee, Water Matters Committee, and Succession Committee. The General Manager reported on lead and copper water samples, a sanitary survey conducted by CDPHE, water production levels, utility costs, and PIF revenue. The board discussed and approved amendments to the Rules and Regulations, a More Parcel Easement request from Yampa Valley Electric Association, and a Water Main Extension and Highway 40 Bore Postponement Request by Yampa Valley Housing Authority. An executive session was held regarding legal advice on specific legal questions and for determining positions relative to negotiations.