Laguna Madre Water District

The meeting included a public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2018-2019 ad valorem tax rate and another on water, wastewater, and raw water rates along with a financial plan. The General Manager's report covered TCDRS and the water quality report, including plans to send a letter to the local paper and mail customers regarding water quality. The Director of Finance presented a comparison of financing a meter project with the fund balance versus borrowing. The board discussed and approved travel to Austin, Texas, for a Texas Water Development Board meeting. They also discussed and approved insurance for health, vision, dental, and life for district employees, reviewed expenditures, and considered and adopted the budget and a resolution levying the ad valorem rate for the fiscal year 2018-2019.

The board discussed the results of the District's Bond Election and the possibility of scheduling a workshop to prioritize capital projects based on available funds. They also discussed the taste and odor control of potable water, including potential solutions like aerators and a reverse osmosis system. The board considered an interlocal agreement with Port Isabel and Laguna Vista for billing garbage service fees but took no action. They denied a water tower lease agreement with Verizon Wireless and approved the abandonment of an easement, subject to proper documentation. Additionally, they approved a contract for sodium chlorite with Evoqua Water Technologies LLC and a 2-year contract extension for asphalt and paving repairs with G & T Paving. The board also reviewed expenditures and decided against entering an executive session.

The meeting included a discussion regarding the progress of pond dewatering. The main action item was the consideration and discussion for possible approval of the proposed tax rate to be published on the notice of a public hearing, with a subsequent plan to adopt the tax rate at the regular meeting following the public hearing.

Presentation by Willdan Financial Services on the 2018 water and wastewater rate study and a long-term financial plan. Discussion on preliminary results, findings, and recommendations for the District's long-term water and wastewater rate plan. Discussion on current rates and how they compare to other communities, cost, and service. Discussion on rate plan alternatives.

The workshop meeting addressed odor control measures, including the need for a master plan and various treatment options, with board members volunteering to develop a plan. Discussions also focused on AMI Ferguson Meters, addressing issues with the current meter system and exploring potential savings and customer service improvements. Additionally, Estrada Hinojosa presented preliminary bond sizing scenarios and finance plans for private placement and the Texas Water Development Board, outlining project funds and timelines for approval and closing.