Julie A. Couillard

The final public hearing focused exclusively on proposed revisions, specifically modified increases, to the NSBU's electric service rates, charges, and fees. The NSBU General Counsel read the title of Proposed Resolution No. 2026-02 into the record. One member of the public expressed opposition, citing a belief that major improvements were unnecessary due to existing infrastructure and questioning the projected revenue impact versus current economic conditions. The entity committed to following up with the concerned citizen via email regarding specific questions about the percentage and dollar amount of the rate increase for residential customers.

The key discussion item addressed during this final public hearing concerned proposed revisions, including modified increases, to the New Smyrna Beach Utilities Service Corporation's (NSBU) water, wastewater, and reclaimed water service rates, charges, and fees. The NSBU General Counsel read the title of Proposed Resolution No. 2026-01 into the record. No public comments were offered regarding the proposed revisions.

The meeting included Quarterly Employee Recognitions for promotions, certifications, achievements, and life-saving efforts. Two Final Public Hearings were conducted: the first concerning proposed revisions (increases) to Water, Wastewater, and Reclaimed Water Service Rates, Charges and Fees, and the second regarding proposed revisions (increases) to Electric Service Rates, Charges and Fees. During the Electric Service Rates hearing, a member of the public expressed opposition and questioned the percentage and dollar amount of the proposed increase. The Regular NSBU Commission Meeting featured a safety message on Trench Safety, presented with supporting documentation. Key actions included the approval of Consent Items, which ratified the renewal of the Employee Managed Uniform Program expenditures with Tyndale Enterprises, Inc., and the approval of NSBU Resolution No. 2026-01 for Water, Wastewater, and Reclaimed Water Service Rates, effective through FY'30. NSBU Resolution No. 2026-02 for Electric Service Rates was also approved, effective through FY'30. A modification (decrease) to the Fuel and Purchased Power Cost Adjustment Clause was approved. A three-member Evaluation Committee for the Audit Firm Procurement Process was approved, consisting of Vice Chairman Kelly, Commissioner Conrad, and Commissioner Smith. Finally, the Commission approved revising the commencement time for monthly Workshop and Regular Meetings from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m., and subsequently approved the cancellation of the next Workshop scheduled for February 12, 2026.

The meeting commenced with a significant discussion concerning NSBU Governance and Oversight and Leadership Assessment, initiated by Chairman Hawes via an unagendized handout. This review prompted substantial feedback from the Commission, with several members indicating a need for substantial behavioral change from the General Manager-CEO and suggestions for improvement in future disclosures and performance evaluations. Commissioner Smith requested future directives to staff have majority Commission concurrence. The primary agenda item involved a presentation by the NSBU Financial Advisor regarding NSBU Capital Projects and Funding Sources, detailing external financing options, the 2026 Bonds Issuance Process, bond financing team roles, and timelines, emphasizing that all bond documents would require Commission approval prior to execution. A second item provided background information on the existing competitive bidding exemption in the NSBU Purchasing Manual, which saw no direct discussion regarding the upcoming bond issuance. An additional topic considered was a request to change the start time of future Regular and Workshop meetings from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 a.m.

The meeting commenced with quarterly employee recognitions, including safety achievement medallions for life-saving efforts and team service. A safety message focused on trench safety, detailing the use of sloping, shoring, and shielding for excavations. Key agenda items involved approvals for modifications to rates, charges, and fees for Water, Wastewater, Reclaimed Water Services, and Electric Services, establishing multi-year rate schedules. The commission also approved a decrease in the Fuel and Purchased Power Cost Adjustment Clause (FPPCAC) for the remainder of FY26 and FY27. Furthermore, determinations were made regarding the selection committee for the Audit Firm Procurement Process, appointing three Commissioners. A significant revision was approved to change the commencement times for future monthly Regular and Workshop Meetings from 3:00 P.M. to 9:00 A.M. The General Manager's Report covered the December 2025 Financial Status, noting a year-to-date profit across service areas, cash reserves, and plans for a 2-1-26 rate increase and an April 2026 bond issuance. The Q1 FY2026 Balanced Scorecard noted excellent operational performance despite some electric reliability impacts from outages, which are being mitigated by infrastructure rebuilding and AMI meter installations. The General Counsel provided updates on proposed legislation in the 2026 Florida Legislative Session.