Stuart Bell

This document outlines the vision, mission, and strategic goals for the Hilton Head Public Service District. The vision is to establish the organization as a state-of-the-art water and sewer public utility, recognized as a model of excellence. The mission emphasizes providing high-quality, cost-effective, equitable, sustainable, and timely drinking water, wastewater treatment, and recycled water services, while enhancing public health, protecting the environment, and supporting economic development. The eight strategic goals focus on water services, recycled water services, environmental and sustainability, customer satisfaction, financial responsibility, organizational excellence and leadership, asset management, and external relations.

The meeting included the adoption of the previous month's draft minutes. Key discussions centered on the Series 2026 Front Foot Assessment Revenue Bond, where the Commission approved continuing the current FFA program with a debt-funded issuance scheduled for 2029 and authorized staff to directly negotiate the upcoming debt issuance placement. The General Manager presented his monthly report, noting the annual free chlorine period dates. An executive session was held to discuss the Purchased Water Agreement, which resulted in authorization for staff to interact with Beaufort-Jasper Water & Sewer Authority and continue discussions with Broad Creek PSD regarding this agreement.

The commission meeting addressed several key items. The board considered and unanimously approved a change order request totaling $64,558.85 for the RO Plant Expansion Project, covering betterment of the electronic control system, remediation of unsuitable soils, and improvements to valving. The board also adopted the audited financial statements for FY'25 and reviewed the FY'26 First Quarter Financial Report. Furthermore, the General Manager presented his monthly report, noting potential relocation of the Town's 911 dispatch center. The commission adopted the 2026 calendar, agreeing to hold the January and February meetings in the afternoon. The current slate of commission officers was nominated for reappointment for 2026, and the December 2025 meeting was rescheduled from December 16th to December 19th.

The meeting included a vote to adopt the draft minutes from the September 24, 2025, Commission Meeting. Key discussion centered on the Screw Pumps Replacement Project, where WGK was the low responsive bidder at $4.37 million, leading to the Board's authorization to accept this bid. The General Manager presented the FY'26 First Quarter Management Report, noting the completion of the Old House Creek Sewer Project, which resulted in sewer availability for 24 homes. The General Manager's Monthly Report was also presented, with a note that the nomination of commission officers for 2026 will occur in November.

The meeting addressed the acquisition of Master Sewer Plan easements, including a resolution authorizing the commencement of proceedings to acquire necessary easements. Discussions also covered a petition to Beaufort County for the removal of Old House Cay from the PSD tax district. Additionally, the board discussed a resolution authorizing an application to the South Carolina Clean Water Revolving Fund for funding sewer collector mains, and they reviewed the General Manager's Report. The Long Range Water Supply Planning Committee and the Planning & Operations Committee provided reports, including updates on the Future Water Supply Options Study, PSDs' Emergency Interconnections Study, and the Master Sewer Plan.