Mark Garner

The agenda for the meeting included key items such as the review of the monthly financial statements for December 2025 and the presentation of the Annual Audit Report for Fiscal Year 2024-2025, which resulted in unmodified 'clean' opinions. A significant action item involved the consideration and adoption of a findings resolution authorizing the issuance of up to $45,000,000 in Greenville Utilities Commission Combined Enterprise System Revenue Refunding Bonds, Series 2026, to achieve debt service savings. The General Manager's Report covered several bid rankings and awards from prior months, including procurements for Natural Gas Materials, Ford vehicles, wire, and couplings. The report also noted the system's load management operations during a recent peak event and acknowledged the retirement of the Director of Electric Systems.

The Greenville Utilities Commission's budget focuses on facilitating regional growth, providing reliable utility solutions, and delivering customer service. Key financial metrics, including debt-service coverage ratios and fund balance, are maintained. The budget addresses commodity costs, the Bethel Water & Sewer Merger, rate adjustments for the Water and Gas Funds, and capital investment. The Commission is also implementing a Water Treatment Plant expansion project and has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by renovating customer facilities and working with officials to distribute COVID-relief funding. The Commission recognizes employees as valuable assets and is committed to supporting growth and economic development initiatives.

The Greenville Utilities Commission's budget for FY 2024-25 focuses on safely providing reliable utility solutions at the lowest reasonable cost with exceptional customer service. It includes a 3.8% base rate increase for the Electric Fund, a 5.1% rate increase for the Sewer Fund, and no rate increases for the Water and Gas Funds. The budget allocates funds for a 4.0% employee merit/market adjustment, continuation of self-insured health and dental insurance plans, and investments in capital projects to maintain system reliability and comply with regulatory requirements. Key projects include the construction of the Hudson's Crossroads Substation, a community solar facility, and expansions to the LNG Plant and Wastewater Treatment Plant.

The meeting included recognition of GUC by the Pitt County Arts Council as the Community Partner of the Year, recognition of Finance Department Awards, and recognition of GUC's Gas Department by the Carolina Public Gas Association for receiving the TRUST Award at the Silver Level. The board also discussed and reviewed the monthly financial statement for September 30, 2025, and considered the adoption of a resolution authorizing negotiation and execution of a natural gas supply agreement with Public Energy Authority of Kentucky. Updates were provided on the Finance/Audit Committee and the General Manager's Report.

The meeting included recognition of GUC by ElectriCities for the 2024 Public Power Awards of Excellence and recognition of GUC's Cybersecurity Improvement Initiative Team by NC Department of Information Technology for the 2025 Best of North Carolina Technology Award for Outstanding Leadership and Innovation. The board reviewed the monthly financial statement for August 31, 2025. An update was provided on efforts to diversify applicant pools and on the Plan Year 2026 Health and Dental Insurance Benefits. The General Manager's Report was presented, and the board discussed upcoming meetings and functions. Additionally, there were discussions regarding the abandonment of a portion of an electric easement and various other easements, as well as resolutions related to these abandonments.