Michael Farrell

The meeting agenda covers the review of the fiscal year 2024-2025 audit presented by Grau and Associates and authorization for the Executive Director to act on behalf of the district regarding vehicle tags and titles. It includes status updates on various channel projects, including emergency repairs and panel replacements, and reviews financial statements and investment summaries. Additionally, the agenda addresses administrative matters such as proposed revisions to the employee handbook and legislative updates from legal counsel.

The Board Meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and minutes from previous meetings, specifically the Final Trim Hearing Meeting, Regular Authority Meeting #6, and Special Authority Meeting, all held in September and November 2025. Under new business, updates were provided on several channel panel replacement projects, including the schedule for the Channel 1 project (pre-bid meeting in December 2025, bid opening later that month, with award consideration in early 2026) and approval of change order #1 for Channel 3, increasing its contract amount. The Board also approved the Financial Statement for October 2025 and the Investment Summary for November 2025. Executive Director comments noted upcoming minor changes to the Employee Handbook. Legal Counsel reported that District employees are no longer represented by the AFSCME Union.

The primary discussion item was New Business, specifically concerning an emergency repair for Channel #3 at 43rd Street (Project 25-01). The Board authorized the Executive Director to enter into a contract with Keystone Excavators Inc. for the necessary emergency repairs, not to exceed an amount of $150,000.00. The Executive Director also provided an update regarding the date of the next Regular Authority Meeting.

The public hearing focused on the proposed millage rate and budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. The Executive Director presented the proposed millage rate of 1.8670 mills, reflecting a 7.7400 percent increase over the roll-back rate. The proposed Operating Budget Expenditures showed an increase of 33.39 percent compared to the previous fiscal year, with total budgets increasing from $26,978,469 to $30,764,329. Key budgetary changes included increases in Human Services, General Government, Capital Outlay, and Fees to Government Agencies, offset partially by a decrease in Interim Operation funds. The board tentatively adopted the millage rate of 1.8670 mills and the budget of $26,978,469 for the upcoming fiscal year. The date for the Final Public TRIM Hearing was confirmed for September 17, 2025.

The Final Public TRIM Hearing addressed the proposed millage rate and budget for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026. The District confirmed compliance with all legal TRIM requirements. Key discussions included the tentatively adopted Millage Rate of 1.8670 Mills, representing a 7.7400 percent increase over the rolled-back rate. The proposed total Operating Budget Expenditures for 2025-2026 were summarized and compared to the previous year, showing a 33.39 percent increase in total operating budget expenditures over the 2023-2024 fiscal year. The hearing concluded with the formal adoption of Resolution #25-02 to adopt the millage rate of 1.8670 Mills and Resolution #25-03 to adopt the budget of $30,764,329 for Fiscal Year 2025-2026.