Teresa L. Chase

The board meeting agenda encompasses several key items, including the presentation of service awards and project recognitions. The consent calendar involves approving financial warrants, investment reports, and various project-related resolutions, such as environmental exemption findings for the David C. McCollom Water Treatment Plant rehabilitation and construction change orders. Additionally, the board will consider the adoption of the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan, amendments to the administrative and ethics code, the fiscal year 2027 and 2028 operating and capital budgets, and the establishment of an appropriation limit. Further topics include the appointment of a representative to the San Diego County Water Authority, authorization for a customer survey on water trends, and a closed session regarding litigation and legal counsel review.

The committee discussed the upcoming training calendar for June and July and received an informational report on the Safety Has No Quitting Time program, which included a review of injury statistics and property damage data. The committee also reviewed various safety and risk compliance activities from April and May, conducted an annual review of the Workplace Violence Prevention Plan, and initiated discussions regarding a commemoration for reaching 1,500 days without a preventable lost-time injury. Additionally, the committee tracked progress on assigned safety action items.

The board conducted several actions including the presentation of service awards and promotions, the approval of a master agreement for construction of water facilities for a residential development, and the approval of staffing analysis updates. The meeting also addressed salary range adjustments, a review of the draft operating and capital budget for future fiscal years, and the appropriation of additional funds for emergency leak repairs. Additionally, a public hearing was held regarding the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan.

The committee reviewed the preliminary operating and capital budget for fiscal years 2027 and 2028, focusing on budget projections, cost controls, and revenue sources such as capital contributions and grant funding. Discussions included impacts of SDCWA rate increases on district water costs, proposed capital improvements for the water treatment plant, equipment upgrades, and reserve fund projections. The committee reached a decision to maintain controllable costs below the 3.8% annual target and directed staff not to proceed with a proposed grant lobbyist agreement. The preliminary budget was approved for further discussion at the upcoming Board meeting.

The Finance Committee discussed the preliminary biennial operating and capital budget for fiscal years 2027 and 2028. Key topics included budget timelines, operational cost reduction strategies, revenue assumptions, and debt service obligations. The committee reviewed capital improvement plan adjustments, including the prioritization of projects and equipment purchases. Additionally, the committee considered the inclusion of a lobbying agreement to pursue grant funding and reviewed the conceptual design for fluoride-related capital improvements.