William Fontaine

This document details the outcomes of the Florida Governmental Utility Authority Board's 2026 Strategic Planning Session. It addresses past accomplishments, current challenges, and establishes future strategic goals and priorities. Key focus areas include continuous operational improvement, efficiency, technology investment, robust customer service, careful cost control, and planning for regulatory changes. The plan emphasizes maintaining strong working relationships, optimal service standards, and sound financial stewardship, while exploring expansion opportunities, enhancing public education, and maximizing grant acquisition. Overarching priorities for 2026 and beyond involve succession planning, establishing metrics for new system acquisitions, proactive communication of FGUA's value, analyzing the organization's long-term structure, implementing continuous improvements, and developing comprehensive capital plans, with an eye towards the 2031 operating agreement expiration.

This document is a summary report from the Florida Governmental Utility Authority (FGUA) Board of Directors' 2026 Strategic Planning Session. It outlines discussions and feedback on the organization's Mission, Vision, and Value Statements, a SWOT analysis, current programs, grant-funded initiatives, financial management, operational changes, and long-term organizational outlook. The report concludes with proposed overarching Board priorities for 2026, intended to guide the FGUA's direction and foster continuous improvement in its utility services.

The board discussed a public complaint regarding a property leak and subsequent policy clarifications. Key agenda items included approvals for construction agreement change orders, utility infrastructure conveyances, and easement grants. Financial and operational resolutions were passed concerning pass-through rate adjustments for the Flagler utility system, state revolving fund loan applications for various projects, and amendments to construction and design-build agreements. Additionally, the board approved an expansion of service areas and updates to customer policies and procedures. Informational updates were provided on capital improvement projects, community outreach, and management of local utility fires, and a legislative update was presented regarding budget allocations for water and infrastructure projects.

The board conducted a public hearing regarding the purchase of the Nassau Utility System, including the adoption of Resolution 2025-03, interlocal agreements, and membership terms. Various consent agenda items were approved, including the purchase of emergency by-pass pumps, bid awards for construction projects, and conveyance closeout packages. Financial and administrative updates included a budget review and an audit presentation. Operational decisions involved contract renewals for consulting and engineering services, approval of an interlocal agreement with Lee County for wastewater treatment, and various work authorizations for plant expansions and improvements. Additional items included an update on the FDEP partnership, a legislative funding report, appointments to the Secretary/Treasurer position, and the approval of a conflict of interest waiver.

The board discussed a public comment regarding high water bills and a meter relocation issue. Consent agenda items included the approval of a bid award for the Del Prado WRF Injection Well Pump Station Upgrades, along with associated construction and inspection service agreements, and the acceptance of a conveyance closeout package. Operational approvals were granted for the purchase of vehicles for the MacDill AFB utility. Informational updates covered the Capital Improvement Project program, community outreach, inactive account collections, utility infrastructure agreements, and a new all-in-one reverse 911 communication system. Updates were also provided on the FDEP Water Supply Restoration Program, the Pluris Wedgefield system acquisition potential, the Riverside Septic to Sewer project funding, a staff retirement, and a new GIS service availability mapping application. Finally, the board conducted an election of officers.