Highland Water District

The Board of Commissioners meeting addressed several operational and financial matters. Key discussions included the unaccounted water usage percentages for Highland and Friar Creek, and the placement of leak detection loggers during Christmas week. The board noted that the electrical upgrade to the server room was incomplete regarding wire/cable management, which requires follow-up with the contractor. Updates were provided on a payroll audit inquiry from Northwest Administrators, clarification on the relevant contract article, and positive feedback on the new hire's progress, with an expectation of independent meter reading capability by March 2026. Financials for October were reviewed, and a leak adjustment request was deferred pending a thorough review of the customer's 2025 billing history. A budget hearing was held where the 2026 Budget was reviewed and subsequently approved via Resolution 25-0466. Additionally, resolutions were approved ratifying officer elections and accepting the Statement of Qualifications for PACE as the Engineering Consultant for 2026. The approval of a low-income rate application for a specific customer account and the authorization of vouchers and December payroll were also completed.

The Board of Commissioners meeting included discussions on several operational matters. Key topics involved reviewing water usage, noting high unaccounted-for water loss in the Friar Creek area, and planning further leak detection efforts, including the use of specialized noise correlators. The board addressed a customer billing dispute, confirming staff's findings of no discrepancies after multiple investigations. A decision was made to postpone exterior tank cleaning due to a recent backflow assembly failure at the Bollenbaugh station, prompting quotes for vault and backflow assembly replacement and coordination with the City of Everett. Commissioners approved several leak adjustment requests for customer accounts. Personnel discussions focused on revising recruitment strategies for the open Field Assistant position, including adjusting proximity requirements and wage range flexibility. The board also addressed qualifications for the low-income rate program, agreeing to align income limits with those of Everett Utilities. Finally, a preliminary draft budget was presented for future review, and vouchers and payroll were approved.

The meeting involved several operational updates and financial actions. Key discussions included water usage, with unaccounted use reported at 19% for Highland and 22% for Friar Creek, leading to a revised focus on leak detection for Highland Water. The Board addressed a customer dispute requiring the inclusion of the customer complaint policy in correspondence and followed up on a payroll audit request from Northwest Administrators. Maintenance items included reviewing the status of the PASADO's developer extension bond and providing an update on the Bollenbaugh station backflow failure, which resulted in the associated equipment being taken out of service. Financially, September financials were reviewed, and the Board hired a new Full Time Field Assistant at an initial rate of $26.77 per hour for six months. The Board also approved three billing adjustments for specific accounts and authorized the payment of vouchers totaling $115,361.99 and November payroll of $15,949.86. A consensus was reached to hold the Draft Budget Hearing on December 11, 2025.

The meeting included discussions on DEA and the Comprehensive Plan. Unaccounted water usage was reported for both HWD and Friar Creek. The board discussed demolishing the existing shed and obtaining quotes for a new one, as well as addressing an issue with a dog on District property. A separate Consumer Confidence Report was done for Friar Creek, and a punch list is being compiled for The Ridge at Park Creek. King County's plan to charge rent for utilities using right-of-ways through franchises was also discussed. The financials for October 2016 were reviewed, and a draft of the 2017 Budget was examined with suggestions for changes. Quotes for a new sign and employee shirts are still being worked on. An adjustment was made to a customer's bill due to an incorrect beginning date. Vouchers and payroll were approved.

The meeting addressed various topics including unaccounted water usage, lead service line inventory updates, hydrant repair payments, and a class action lawsuit against Master Card and Visa. Tank inspection quotes were reviewed, and the Snohomish County Investment Pool's updated operating terms and conditions were discussed. Financials for October were reviewed, and resolutions were approved for a printer purchase, an amended Open Gov contract, and truck fee charges. Loan payoff options and the draft budget for 2025 were also discussed. Commissioner Jorden's upcoming election for 2025 was noted.