Fort Valley Utility Commission

The primary discussion centered on a financial update for the first three months of the physical year, noting that operating revenues exceeded budget expectations and total expenses were substantially under budget, resulting in a favorable swing in operating income. Key discussions involved the lower than anticipated personal services expenses due to employee vacancies in the electric and water/wastewater departments, and lower than budgeted purchased services. There was also a significant discussion regarding the USDA Project A emergency generator, with a recommendation to switch from diesel-powered to natural gas-powered, which would allow for the redeployment of an existing generator to an unequipped lift station. Other administrative items included a clarification on the restricted Municipal Competitive Trust account balance and an update on misplaced BBNT cards.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and the pledge of allegiance. Key discussions included the approval of minutes from previous work sessions and regular meetings held in May 2015. Activity reports were presented by department managers covering finance, customer service, billing, IT, natural gas, water, reclamation, and meter departments. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the formal welcome and initial remarks from the new General Manager, Mr. Craig Mims. The agenda was amended to allow for a discussion of potential litigation in executive session and to approve the employment agreement for the new General Manager. Old business was tabled. New business featured the approval of a transfer of funds from the Municipal Competitive Trust. Furthermore, the Commission discussed and approved, subject to review, the borrowing of funds for the G4 Project Loan Approval related to the Linford Reclamation Center oxidation process, noting the details of the loan amount, federal grant, and principal forgiveness. The meeting concluded with the consideration of the resolution for the 2015 MEAG Power election appointment.

The primary discussion centered on Agenda Item 1: the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA) Lead Service Line Inventory Loan Grant. The Utility Commission considered executing a loan application for $150,000, which is potentially forgivable if fully drawn down, carrying a 0% interest rate. The funds are designated to finance the inventory of lead and copper service lines from water mains to customer buildings, determining material type, and scheduling replacements. The resolution authorizing the loan application and designating the Chairman and General Manager as authorized signers was introduced, read, and adopted. The overall project timeline for the inventory is anticipated to run through 2025. Preparations for public notification regarding the work and the involvement of ESG Engineering were also mentioned.

The meeting commenced with an invocation and pledge of allegiance. Key discussions involved the approval of minutes for previous work session and regular meetings from June and July 2016. Activity reports were provided by various departments, including customer service and operations. A significant portion of the discussion focused on the amended and restated gas supply contract, detailing changes to dispute resolution processes (moving to binding arbitration in Fulton County), indemnification language, and modifications to reporting frequency and service descriptions for M-GAG members. The body also addressed and approved a recommended fee structure. The meeting concluded with acknowledgments to community members and a moment of silent prayer regarding the 9/11 commemoration.

The Utility Commission conducted a called meeting to address several agenda items. Key discussions included the approval of minutes from previous call meetings held in June and August 2020. The commission then reviewed and approved the Fiscal Year 2021 budget. A major portion of the meeting involved the approval of two Georgia Innovation for Agriculture (GIFA) loans related to the water tower project for Valley State University and the high school project. The loans total $2.7 million, with significant portions being forgivable contingent upon drawing down the funds by April 1, 2021. The commission also authorized the Director of Finance and Administration and the General Manager to execute necessary drawdown documents for these loans. Finally, a commissioner brought forward a request for assistance with utility bills for a retired teacher affected by COVID-19, and the appropriate community service agencies responsible for administering utility assistance funds were identified.