Richard Adkins

The agenda focuses on the presentation and potential approval of the FY2027 Electric, Water, and Wastewater Department budgets. Additionally, the Board will consider a fund transfer request from the Sewer Department to the Water Department to address outstanding debt. The CEO will present several industry awards received by the Authority and discuss potential employee recognition initiatives. Finally, updates will be provided on the current status of the electric, water, and sewer systems.

This document outlines BVU Authority's strategic, long-term investment plan aimed at enhancing system reliability and resilience. The plan focuses on modernizing the electric system, upgrading water infrastructure, and rehabilitating the wastewater system through proactive measures and advanced technologies. It incorporates a coordinated investment strategy that integrates asset condition assessments, customer reliability data, regulatory compliance schedules, and financial modeling to ensure measurable improvements in service delivery and to build a future-ready utility.

The agenda for the BVU Authority Board Meeting includes standard opening ceremonies, a period for public participation on agenda items, and a vote to adopt the meeting agenda. Key operational discussions cover the CEO's review of upcoming calendar events, the review of the FY2027 budget timeline, and updates on all grant applications. Significant items requiring a board vote include the review and potential approval on second reading for proposed FY2027 water rate adjustments and wastewater rate adjustments, both effective July 1, 2026. Further items include approving an administrative and operational fee schedule update, appointing Penn Stuart as general counsel for FY2027, approving the audit engagement letter from Blackburn, Childers & Steagall, PLC for FY2027, and receiving updates on the electric, water, and sewer systems, as well as the FY2027 health insurance program.

The BVU Authority Board meeting will cover a range of topics including upcoming calendar events, general comments from the CEO, an update on Statement of Economic Interest forms, a review of financial reports, discussion of proposed budget amendments for FY2024, and FY2025 budget planning. Updates will also be provided on the electric, water, and sewer systems, as well as the January 2024 Joint Sewer Committee Meeting. Additionally, there will be an update on the loan for BC-1568 Sewer Improvement, with a motion to approve the loan and authorize the President to sign required documents.

The BVU Authority Board meeting will cover various topics, including electronic meeting procedures, acknowledgment of Board Member appointment letters, and public comments on agenda items. The agenda includes motions to adopt the meeting agenda and reapprove prior board meeting minutes, along with approving reorganization and regular board meeting minutes. The board will also review upcoming calendar events, the annual BVU Conflict of Interest Training, a proposed electric rate cut, the status of the FY2020 audit, and BVU's recent bond rating upgrade. Additional discussions will cover the long-term water capital financing plan, BVU's insurance coverage and legal liabilities, sewer improvement projects, a proposed solar project for the BVU Main Campus, and nominations for the Joint Sewer Committee. The meeting may also include a closed session to discuss litigation with the City of Bristol, followed by a certification of compliance with closed meeting requirements and a brief review of the City of Bristol lawsuit.