Ron Shipman

The Macon Soils Inc. Board meeting included an operational report that showed the amount of Biosolids land applied and landfilled for the fiscal year 2024, with a year-over-year increase in total biosolids disposal. The financial report indicated that revenues for Rocky Creek Lower Poplar and Cobb-Marrietta were over budget. The board was given an overview of the income statement. The board considered the recommendation to MWA Board of Directors for a second term on the MSI Board of Directors for Dwight Jones.

The meeting addressed concerns from community members, including issues related to property condemnation, flooding, water and sewer rates, and drainage claims. The Pension Committee presented its quarterly financial report, highlighting the performance of the Defined Benefit Plan and the Retirement Savings Plan. The Finance Committee reviewed and approved the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Safety Incentive and MOD Program, including adjustments to the safety team rewards and workers' compensation MOD. The committee also considered awarding bids for three Ford F150 trucks and a Polaris Ranger Utility Vehicle. The Engineering Committee provided updates on major projects, including the IPS Building at Lower Poplar and the Rocky Creek Water Reclamation Facility Improvements Project. The board discussed financial matters, including the financial statement ending December 31, 2024, and health insurance analysis. Unfinished business included considering the request to condemn properties for the detention facility for South Bibb and approving the 704 Funding Project for the MBCIA. The board also discussed referrals to committees and entered an executive session to consult with legal counsel.

The Macon Water Authority meeting included discussions on petitions and requests from the public, a review of GASB reports by representatives from Nyhart, and quarterly performance results for Pension and Retirement Savings Investments. The board considered construction award recommendations for storm drainage improvements, received updates on major capital projects, and reviewed the finance and health insurance reports. There was also discussion on the modification of an existing GEFA loan for the AMR small meter project and an update on Cayenta software. The board viewed commercials for the Kids Fishing Day and referred items to the Personnel Committee, including a study for a grant writer and a comprehensive study on employee departures. Changes to the Safety Manual were discussed, including GPS in vehicles and cab-facing cameras in pool vehicles.

The meeting addressed MWA's contribution to the AWI OU2 Financial Assurance Trust, with discussions on the trust's purpose for EPA Superfund cleanup costs. The monthly financial and health insurance reports were reviewed, highlighting the healthy state of the health insurance account and the positive growth of the Defined Benefit Plan and the Retirement Savings Plan. An update was provided on the stormwater financial statement. The new Facilities and Fleet Manager was introduced. There was a discussion regarding a town hall meeting with residents of Nowell Estates and road repairs at the Eisenhower and Pio Nono Ave. intersection.

The meeting included discussions and actions on various topics. Citizens addressed the Board with concerns about operational challenges, transparency, equitable access to clean water, rising costs, service quality, aging infrastructure, and stormwater issues. The Board considered updating the Trustee of the MWA Trust and the 457(b) Trust, reviewed the quarterly financial report for the Defined Benefit Plan and the Retirement Savings Plan, and received an update on major engineering projects, including the IPS influence pump station at Lower Poplar and upgrades to the Lower Poplar and Rocky Creek treatment plants. There were also discussions on financial statements, health insurance analysis, employee immunizations, and preventable damages caused by employees. The Executive Director reported on audits conducted by McNair, McLemore, Middlebrooks, and Company.