Harrisonburg-Rockingham Regional Sewer Authority

The regular monthly meeting included a review of the Quarterly Financial Report ending December 31, 2025, noting operating income and O&M expenses compared to budget. Treasurer's and Cash Basis Reports for December 2025 and January 2026 were reviewed, detailing income, expenditures, and cash/investment balances, including payments for capital outlay projects. The Operations Report covered treatment quality, noting a partial inhibition of nitrification due to a surfactant slug load in December 2025, but showing compliance with annual average limits for Total Phosphorus and Total Nitrogen. Pretreatment activity included the assessment of cost recovery fees and Notices of Violation (NOVs) issued to industrial users such as Kerry, Perdue, and SVO. The Authority directed staff to direct bill significant industrial users for pretreatment sampling. The Board held closed sessions to consult with legal counsel regarding SVO compliance, specific local government employees, and probable litigation concerning Perdue and Kerry Stock and Broth Company Inc. compliance. Project updates mentioned progress on the Belt Filter Press Installation RFP. The Board authorized the Executive Director to enter into a contract with Houff Corporation for Biosolids Reuse and Hauling services. A discussion on the FY 2027 Budget outlined proposed changes to locality funding, O&M budget contributions, and capital projections.

The Engineering Committee meeting focused on reviewing the draft Fiscal Year 2026-2030 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP), which estimates total project expenditures of approximately $19.2 million, funded by locality funding and Planning & Repair Account transfers. Key planned initiatives include installing a new belt filter press in the Solids Handling Building to enhance dewatering capacity and provide redundancy, cleaning and rehabilitating digesters in summer 2025, and beginning design for grouting and mechanism replacement in primary clarifiers 3 and 4 in January 2026. Other planned activities involve installing new equipment in bioreactor 8 during FY 26 and 27, overhauling pumps, and installing a mechanical screen in FY 2029. The renovation of the Operations Center and Building #5 was shifted to FY 30. In other business, staff reported that both the Kerry and Organic Plants were in significant noncompliance during calendar year 2024, and the staff will meet with both facilities to negotiate consent orders.

The meeting included the approval of the FY 2025 Financial Report and Annual Report of Operations, which showed operating income before depreciation of $1,360,552 and a debt service coverage of 133%. The Treasurer's and Cash Basis Reports for November 2025 were reviewed, detailing November income and expenditures, including capital outlay for several projects. The Operations Report for November indicated effluent flow, total phosphorus, and total nitrogen concentrations remained within annual limits. Pretreatment updates involved assessing cost recovery fees and issuing Notices of Violation (NOVs) to two industrial users. Discussions regarding the Kerry Consent Order led to a closed session consultation with legal counsel. The Board also unanimously approved the CY 2026 Treatment Cost Recovery Fees and discussed the timeline for issuing an RFP for belt filter press installation.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key areas. The FY 2024 budget and FY 2024-2028 Capital Improvement Plan were approved. A quarterly financial report was presented, highlighting operating income, expenses, and the total net position. The Treasurer's Report for April 2023 was reviewed, detailing income and expenditures. The Operations and Pretreatment Report for April 2023 was presented, covering effluent flow, total phosphorus and nitrogen concentrations, biosolids land application, pretreatment cost recovery fees, and notices of violation issued to industrial users. Updates were provided on the Bridgewater Pump Station Improvements project, including a recommendation to authorize a change order for a modified foundation. The meeting also included the introduction of a new board member.

The meeting included discussions and approvals regarding the FY 2022 Financial Report and Annual Report of Operations, with a review of income and expenses. The Treasurer's Reports for September and October 2022 were reviewed, detailing income, expenditures, and cash and investments. Updates were provided on the Authority's COVID-19 response and operations, including effluent flow and concentrations of total phosphorus and total nitrogen. Pretreatment cost recovery fees and notices of violation issued to industrial users were reported. Updates were given on significant industrial users and the VPDES permit. The board also discussed the Bridgewater Pump Station emergency generator installation project, Kerry's noncompliance issues, Class A Biosolids Distribution, and Calendar Year 2023 Treatment Cost Recovery Fees.