Matt Guerino

Key discussions included a response regarding the rationale for transferring funds to adjust Malletts Bay Water Company rates post-merger, citing operational benefits. The board received notification of a commissioner's upcoming resignation due to relocation, with plans for a replacement. The Financial/Operations Report detailed December water production figures, year-to-date comparisons, and cost per million gallons, noting a decrease in overall production but an increase in usage by GlobalFoundries. Capital projects updates covered the 2026 USG annual tank maintenance program, where an interior epoxy coating with a 20-year lifespan will be used, and the ongoing assessment of alternatives for addressing chemical storage and feed limitations. Regarding the proposed FY26-27 Colchester Water System budget, the board ultimately approved the budget without utilizing a $50,000 capital transfer to the operating budget, favoring fiscal prudence over minimizing the immediate rate impact. The meeting concluded with the approval of Warrant #1225.

Key discussions during the meeting focused on financial modeling and budgeting for the upcoming fiscal year. The Board approved the FY26-27 Proposed Wholesale Financial Model forecasting Capital Reserve expenditures over five years. The Board also reviewed the proposed FY26-27 "Retail" budgets, specifically approving the FY26-27 Retail Administration and Operations Budget and Capital Reserve Fund Plan, noting that salary increases, vehicle maintenance, and capital contributions for vehicle purchases drove most of the budget increase. A detailed discussion occurred regarding the FY26-27 Colchester Water Systems Budget, particularly concerning a proposed increase in miscellaneous revenue categorization. The Board also discussed strategies to minimize potential water rate shock in 2025-2026 by considering a glide path approach involving a capital transfer to the operating budget, with management tasked to rework the proposal for the next meeting.

The key discussion topics for this special meeting included citizen participation, review and approval of the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Wholesale Financial Model, and review and approval of the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 'Retail' Budgets. The agenda also included a provision for an Executive Session and Any Other Business/Adjourn.

The primary focus of the meeting was the review and approval of the proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Wholesale Budget. The budget, reworked to target an increase between 5.0% and 5.5% as previously requested by the Board, was ultimately approved for a total of $11,581,300.50, resulting in a wholesale rate of $3.179 per 1,000 gallons (a 5.58% increase). Discussions also included justifications for the rate, such as significant savings achieved through competitive quotes for general insurance and switching employee health insurance carriers. It was noted that stabilization in the chemical market contributed to lower than expected cost increases. The proposed Retail Budget and budgets for the Malletts Bay Water Company and Colchester Town Water Systems are scheduled for presentation at a future Special Board Meeting.

The meeting included a report on water production and sales for November, noting that total average fiscal year production is down compared to the previous year. Key capital projects updates included the South Filtered Water Tank becoming operational and expected winter work continuance on the VTrans Exit 16 Diverging Diamond project. The Board accepted the FY24-25 single audit report, which was completed with no findings. The introduction of the FY26-27 Proposed Financial Model and 'Retail' Budgets was scheduled for a future Special Board Meeting. The Board also reviewed the 2026 meeting schedule, a summary sheet, and approved warrants in the amount of $1,145,935.21.