Sarah Hinze

Key discussions included the approval of the October 2025 Income Statements and November/December 2025 Expenditures. The Commission authorized the search for a 2026 fleet addition of a mini excavator and the replacement of the utility's dump truck. Updates on on-going electric utility projects noted the completion of Food and Beverage projects and discussed issues with current streetlights, prompting a look into new options. During the Electric Utility Manager Monthly Report segment, there was a consensus to move forward with changing the Utility's "doing business as" name to Jefferson Electric Utility. The next regular meeting was rescheduled from January 12, 2026, to January 19, 2026.

Key discussions included the approval of the September 2025 Income Statements and October/November 2025 Expenditures. The Commission discussed and subsequently approved the 2026 Budget, which showed an estimated return on investment of 3.5% after adjustments to capital additions and depreciation. A significant portion of the meeting addressed updates regarding the Circuit Substation Buildout, where enhancements costing an estimated additional $2.5 million over five years were approved for the Construction Authority application to the Public Service Commission. These enhancements included improved protection schemes, installation of 138kv high-side breakers, SCADA system integration, and provisions for capacitor banks. The Commission also reviewed the ongoing process for changing the utility's official name and logo, received project updates on work at Kikkoman, St. Johns Lutheran School, and the Food and Beverage Park, and noted that 857 AMI meters remain uninstalled.

The Jefferson Utilities Commission convened in a closed session to discuss the hiring of a Journey Level Lineman and a Distributed Generation Application form submission. The commission then reconvened in an open session.

The meeting addressed a public concern regarding the lack of a street light by Franklin/Jackson, which was noted for City consideration. The commission approved the payment of January 2022 bills. They also reviewed and approved a community contribution to the Ready for Kids School Program but denied a request from the Jefferson County Solid Waste and Clean Sweep Program, citing concerns about benefiting Utilities shareholders and policy adherence. The commission requested a monthly account report to monitor available funds for community contributions.

The meeting included discussions and possible actions regarding community contributions. A community contribution to the Jefferson Foundation for the Walk Bridge LED Lighting Project was approved, with funding from both general and WPPI Community Contributions Funds. Additionally, a community contribution to the Randy Schopen Foundation was approved.