Robert Jackson

The Board approved several financial and operational measures, including capping employee out-of-pocket health insurance costs at $500 per month and authorizing a transition to a post-paid payroll processing system. The Board adopted an amended Water Shortage Response Plan and passed resolutions to accept American Rescue Plan grants for both water and sewer Asset Inventory Assessment programs. Additionally, the Board approved revisions to the Deputy Finance Officer appointment and check signing authorities, endorsed the Upper Neuse River Basin Association consensus principles for revised Falls Lake Rules, and authorized the creation of a new Project Manager position funded through the reallocation of a vacant role. An employment contract for the Executive Director was also approved following a closed session discussion.

The board discussed the transition from virtual to in-person meetings, confirming the next meeting will be held at the Butner Town Hall. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the recent state award of $35 million for infrastructure repairs, specifically the I-85 sewer reconstruction project. The board and staff reviewed the requirements for accessing these funds, emphasizing the need for detailed cost breakdowns and strict adherence to project timelines, with obligations by the end of 2024 and completion by the end of 2026. The executive director and staff provided updates on the application process with the Division of Water Infrastructure. Additionally, the board discussed strategies for communicating this project information to the public.

The Finance Committee discussed a proposed policy to address customer late fees caused by recurring US Postal Service mail handling errors. The committee focused on defining narrow criteria for waiving or reversing fees, specifically targeting systemic mass-mailing or delivery disruptions. Key discussions included requiring supporting documentation, such as return envelopes, to verify postal service fault, while cautioning against extending these exceptions to individual, non-systemic cases to avoid administrative burden.

The board authorized the contract award for wastewater treatment plant equalization basin pipe repairs to Fiber Basin Inc. and approved the sole-source purchase and installation of a new pump for the influent pump station from Charles R. Underwood Inc. The meeting also featured an informational update regarding the surplus property auction process and included the approval of a five-year extension for final water and sewer allocations for the Magnum Farm phase two development.

The board observed a moment of silence for a former member. The agenda focused on the presentation of the audit report for fiscal year 2019-2020, which included detailed discussions regarding financial performance, budget variances, payments to the Town of Butner, and the status of outstanding loans and bonds. The meeting also included an introduction to the first-quarter financial review for fiscal year 2021.