Rhonda Graham

The Fayetteville Public Works Commission considered and adopted Resolution No. PWC2025.26, which involves making specific findings and determinations, authorizing the filing of an application with the Local Government Commission, and requesting a competitive sale of bonds related to the issuance of revenue bonds by the City of Fayetteville. The resolution facilitates funding for the Series 2025 Project, which includes improvements and upgrades to the electric, water, and sanitary sewer systems, as well as the potential refunding of the Prior Bonds (Series 2016). The proposed aggregate principal amount for the issuance is not to exceed $230,000,000 ($163,000,000 in revenue bonds and $67,000,000 in revenue refunding bonds). The Commission also recommended specific financing team members, including Bond Counsel, Financial Advisor, and Trustee/Bond Registrar.

The meeting agenda included regular business and several consent items. Key consent decisions involved approving the minutes from the January 28, 2026 meeting and adopting Resolution # PWC2026.02, which approves reduced water service connection fees for customers in the Gray's Creek Water Main Extension Construction Project Area. Furthermore, the Commission recommended awarding the Annual Contract for Overhead Distribution to River City Construction, LLC, subject to City Council approval. Discussions also covered an Infrastructure Rehabilitation Annual Report, including details on water main and sanitary sewer main rehabilitation performance indicators, and an update on the Lead and Copper Improvement Program (Operation Clean and Clear). The General Manager's Report addressed safety metrics, response to Winter Storm Fiona, customer billing concerns, and the successful securing of $4.5 million in federal funding for a drinking water project. The Commission also planned to set a public hearing regarding electric rates and PWC fees for February 25, 2026.

The meeting commenced with the approval of the agenda and consent items, which included the approval of the previous month's minutes and the award of a purchase for Gas Turbine 6 IR Load Gearbox Parts and Repair to Philadelphia Gear Corporation for $529,997.00. The consent agenda also approved a sole source purchase of spare parts for on-load tap changers from Reinhausen Manufacturing, Inc. Key discussion points included the presentation of the Annual Audit Report for Fiscal Year 2025 by PBMares, LLC, which confirmed a strong financial position with a total net position of approximately $1.2 billion and resulted in the unanimous approval of the audit report. The General Manager reported on safety metrics, the successful implementation of the new Oracle payroll and timekeeping system, and strong public opposition to a proposed interbasin transfer (IBT) of water. Commissioner comments emphasized fiduciary responsibility, transparency, and collaboration.

This document outlines the key priorities and accomplishments of the Fayetteville Public Works Commission board, as presented by Commissioner Evelyn Shaw. The board's strategic focus includes enhancing local business capacity by creating opportunities for businesses to work with PwC, mitigating high utility prices through fiscal conservatism and infrastructure rehabilitation, and ensuring the provision of clean and affordable water services to ratepayers.

The meeting agenda included regular business such as the call to order and approval of the agenda, followed by several consent items. Key resolutions in the consent agenda involved authorizing the condemnation of easements for utility operations improvement (PWC Resolution PWC2026.03), and declaring three separate lots of surplus personal property (various models of Pad Mount Transformers) for sale by sealed bid (Resolutions PWC2026.04, PWC2026.05, and PWC2026.06). Furthermore, the Commission considered a sole source exception request to purchase wastewater flow monitor units, antennas, and sensors from ADS Environmental Services LLC for standardization and compatibility with existing equipment. The meeting also included a public hearing regarding electric rates and PWC fees, a General Manager report focusing on safety and operational resilience after a winter storm, and Commissioner/Liaison comments, particularly concerning communication about upcoming rate adjustments. Reports and information included monthly financial statements for January 2026 and a recap of actions taken by the City Council on February 9, 2026.