Tom Sauer

The Board reviewed financial statements and the tap fee report, ratified interim and current payments, and approved an audit engagement letter. A public hearing was conducted to certify delinquent accounts, and the Board discussed the proposed budget and upcoming workshop. Operations and engineering reports were provided regarding facilities, capital projects, and various construction status updates. The Board also addressed a main office lease extension, awarded a contract for well equipping, discussed the procurement process for maintenance shop design, appointed a new Board director, and reviewed potential amendments to the employee handbook and compensation structure. Finally, an executive session was held to receive legal advice concerning the potential merger or consolidation with another district.

The Board of Directors held a workshop to review the proposed 2026 budget and associated fees. Key discussion topics included balancing the goal of minimizing the financial burden on residents with the need for long-term fiscal sustainability. The Board acknowledged the necessity of adhering to the financial plan established in 2021 and discussed the anticipation of an updated financial plan in 2026 to guide future decision-making regarding fees, potential loans, and the transition into a long-term maintenance phase.

The board addressed various operational, financial, and development items. Discussions included resident inquiries regarding leash signage, a review of financial statements and the tap fee report, and the approval of payment of claims. The board received reports on recreation, parks, grounds, and water operations. Additionally, the board granted permission for staff to discuss sewer service with the Pikes Peak Board of Cooperative Educational Services. Development updates were provided regarding Meridian Ranch, and the board ratified a professional services agreement and formed a committee to negotiate with the Meridian Ranch Metropolitan District following an executive session regarding legal matters.

The Board reviewed and accepted the cash position summary and financial statements. Key operational items discussed included an update on the Recreation Center, reports on parks and grounds maintenance, and water, sewer, and drainage operations. Management provided status updates on landscape maintenance responsibility, staffing, the Fieldhouse design, and an intergovernmental agreement. Development updates were provided for Meridian Ranch, specifically regarding sidewalk and road construction. Additionally, the Board held executive sessions to discuss personnel matters, including the appointment of an Interim Assistant General Manager, and to receive legal advice regarding a letter of termination of an intergovernmental agreement.

Key discussions during the meeting included addressing a visitor's inquiry regarding the requirement to retain a qualified bond attorney for District dissolution, which the President clarified concerned dissolving an agreement, not the District itself. The Board approved the payment of claims totaling $7,630.73. A payment request of $175,000 from Meridian Service Metropolitan District for management services was considered and approved. A developer provided updates on landscaping, new lot availability, road striping progress, and the construction of a St. Jude Dream Home. The Board subsequently entered into a closed executive session to confer with the District's attorney regarding legal advice concerning the relationship with the Service District and potential severance, taking no action upon returning to the regular session.