Coos Bay North Bend Water Board

The Board authorized a contract with Xpress Bill Pay for customer payment processing services to improve operational efficiency and potentially reduce costs. An agreement was approved with Revize for website hosting and redesign services to ensure accessibility and compliance. The Board also approved a contract with Novara Software, LLC for an Environmental Health and Safety software system to centralize safety management and compliance tracking. Updates were provided on the Terramar Pump Station Generator Project, a potential timber sale on board property, the Pony Creek Water Treatment Plant SCADA design progress, and the ongoing in-house meter replacement project. Additionally, the Board conducted an executive session to discuss exempt records and potential litigation.

The Board approved professional services agreements for water rights and environmental monitoring services. It also awarded contracts for the Isthmus and South Slough cathodic protection installation and the Terramar generator replacement. Furthermore, the Board approved an annual maintenance invoice for software, authorized a secondary access road for a subdivision, and engaged a firm for architectural design services related to a Service Center remodel. Updates were provided regarding a new payment platform, progress on a water main bundle project, and infrastructure plans for a subdivision development. The Board also convened an executive session to discuss personnel and litigation matters.

The Budget Committee reviewed the proposed budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Key topics included a presentation on the mission and budgeting methodology, a proposed water rate adjustment strategy based on a comprehensive Water System Master Plan and Cost of Service Analysis, and detailed reviews of operational budgets for various functional categories such as Source of Supply, Water Treatment, Meter Services, Customer Relations, Distribution, and Engineering. The committee also examined capital improvement plans, projected revenues, interest earnings, and future debt service obligations.

The meeting included discussions on several key operational and financial matters. A public comment was addressed regarding drainage and infrastructure maintenance. The Board received a presentation from the City of Coos Bay regarding a proposed secondary access road for the Gateway Oasis subdivision. Financial and operational decisions included authorizing a contract for auditing services for fiscal years 2027-2029, approving the purchase of a 14,000-pound tilt utility trailer, and entering into a new cross-connection software agreement with Syncta. The Board also adopted a resolution for an updated Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of Coos Bay for billing and collection services. Updates were provided on the Pony Creek Water Treatment Plant SCADA design funding and the completed Water Transmission Main Tunnel Project. An executive session was held regarding potential litigation.

The Board discussed and adopted an updated Intergovernmental Agreement with the City of North Bend for billing and collection services, focusing on cost-recovery and liability protections. Additionally, the Board authorized entering into a legal services agreement to participate in multi-district litigation concerning PFAS contamination in drinking water supplies. Other business included the approval of a purchase for a new rotary brush-cutter for vegetation management, a project update on the Water Transmission Main Tunnel, and a discussion regarding potential litigation during an executive session.