Judy Smith

The board meeting included the election of a new Chairman, Dave Ehrhardt. Key discussions involved the presentation of the 2024 Audit by Bates Carter, resulting in an unmodified opinion and continued eligibility for a Certificate of Achievement. Department reports covered wastewater operations, noting 28.316 million gallons treated in June and addressing various work orders and odor complaints. Water department activities included exercising 580 valves, hydrant repairs, and service line work. IT reported on a new printer lease and resolving a server closet sensor issue. Engineering is reviewing water and sewer donations and a gravity sewer line replacement. Management reported that Judy Smith won a Government Finance Officer Association Award, and a reminder was issued for an upcoming Work Session.

Key discussions during the meeting included operating reports for August 2025, which showed an increase in billed water and sewer usage compared to the previous year, along with reporting on completed work orders and customer gains. A presentation of the proposed 2026 Annual Budget, totaling $26,285,108 (an 18.3% increase), was tabled for later consideration. The Board approved a new draft wholesale water sales agreement with the Town of Braselton, which modifies rates and introduces reciprocal sales provisions. The Board also ratified an expenditure of $39,923.20 to Environmental Remedies for the cleaning of sludge holding tanks at the Middle Oconee Wastewater Treatment Facility. Department reports covered wastewater treatment statistics, collections efforts, water system maintenance (including hydrant flushing and main repair), and engineering updates on upcoming projects like Parks Creek and Highway 129 bidding. An executive session was held, but no action was taken upon reconvening.

The meeting included the presentation of operating reports for September 2025, noting a significant decrease in billed water and sewer usage compared to the previous year, alongside updates on completed work orders. Old Business involved the formal recommendation and subsequent approval of the FY2026 Operating and Capital Budgets. Under New Business, the Board approved modifications to the Personnel Policy Manual, specifically concerning the Merit Increase Program and salary adjustment references. Additionally, approval was granted to increase the Authority Manager's purchasing limit from $30,000 to $50,000 and revise the Purchasing/Procurement Policy. The Board also approved revisions to the Terms and Conditions of Approval for the West Jackson Schools multi-school campus, incorporating updated flow information that reduced projected wastewater usage. A preliminary draft for the First Amendment to the Fifty Year Intergovernmental Agreement with Jackson County Government was reviewed, aiming to modernize terms and establish a new 50-year term, confirming JCWSA as the exclusive agent for water capacity. Department reports were presented for Wastewater, Water, IT, and Engineering. An Executive Session was held from 7:00 pm to 7:17 pm, during which no action was taken.

The meeting included operating reports for November 2025, which highlighted trends in water and sewer usage, revenue changes, and customer growth, alongside work order completion statistics. New business focused on the critical need for a standby generator at the Talmo Pump Station; the Board approved the purchase contract with J & T Service Center, including associated testing costs. Revisions to the Extraordinary Leak Adjustment Policy were also approved to better address catastrophic leak scenarios and incorporate modern metering capabilities. Department reports detailed wastewater treatment metrics, collections activities, and water system repairs, including leak repairs and valve exercise completion. The Engineering report noted staff readiness for upcoming project design. An Executive Session was held to discuss an undisclosed matter, concluding without any formal action being taken.

The meeting included a review of operating reports for July 2025, noting a decrease in billed water and sewer usage compared to the previous year, along with customer gain statistics and work order completions. In new business, the Board granted preliminary approval for the Highway 124 C-Store and Retail Water and Wastewater application, subject to specific conditions, including fee payment and maintenance periods. Approval was also granted for the 924 Brockton Road Subdivision water preliminary application, where water service is provided by JCWSA but sewer service by the City of Jefferson. Department reports covered wastewater treatment metrics, collections activities, maintenance performed by the Water department, IT updates, and ongoing engineering projects. The Manager reported on expired agreements with Barrow County and potential future partnerships regarding water and sewer capacity with Arcade.