North Florida Water Utilities Authority

The primary focus of the meeting included several action items: approving the agenda, reviewing bills and vouchers, and discussing the financial report. Key discussions involved a budget amendment to fund a new Administrative Assistant position and lease agreements for office equipment like a multi-function printer. The Board reviewed the preliminary rate study conducted by Raftelis, which outlined proposed consolidated water and wastewater rates for FY 2026/2027, and discussed the iterative nature of the rate-setting process. Furthermore, the Board addressed the mandatory service hook-up topic, which warrants further workshop review, and initiated preparations for the asset transfer readiness of County utility assets to the NFWUA, requiring a detailed asset list compilation. The Board also considered action on appointing new NFWUA Board Members, including compensation considerations for private citizens serving on the board, and the tabulation results for RFQ 2026-01 for engineering services.

The meeting agenda included several key discussion and action items. Topics covered were the adoption of the agenda, approval of minutes from the 12/15/2025 meeting, review of bills and vouchers, discussion regarding the FDEP grant agreement #L0288 for Ellisville wastewater improvements, consideration of a draft term sheet for Ft. White NFWUA services, appointing new NFWUA board members, discussing mandatory hook-ups, and reviewing asset transfer readiness/preparation. The board also addressed FDEP regulatory compliance issues for multiple wastewater treatment facilities, ultimately approving a bulk water rate change from $7.60 to $8.00 per 1,000 K/gallon for Fort White.

The agenda includes items such as the approval of meeting minutes, discussion of bills and vouchers, a financial update, and resolutions related to Clay Electric's letter of credit. Also on the agenda are discussions regarding an agreement with Suwannee Valley Electric for a waiver, renewal of the MuniCreative web services agreement, an enterprise lease agreement, bulk water rates for NFWUA, and FDEP regulatory compliance.

This business plan for the North Florida Water Utility Association (NFWUA) outlines a five-year roadmap for regional water utility planning and delivery in Columbia and Suwannee Counties. It focuses on modernizing infrastructure, expanding service capacity, and enhancing governance. Key strategic areas include a $26 million Capital Improvement Plan for infrastructure upgrades, ensuring financial sustainability through diverse funding and transparent rate structures, fostering intergovernmental partnerships, and integrating smart technologies. The plan also prioritizes workforce development, customer engagement, emergency preparedness, and cybersecurity, aiming to establish NFWUA as a regional leader in utility management and environmental stewardship for future generations.

The North Florida Water Utilities Authority meetings covered a range of topics including budget resolutions, approval of contracts and agreements, utility rate studies, and discussions on utility issues for both Suwannee and Columbia Counties. The board also addressed the appointment of a 5th board member, updates on the NFWUA website, and the selection of an Executive Director. Presentations were given on various subjects such as insurance coverage, website design, and the roles and responsibilities of the Executive Director. Other key items included discussions on office space for the NFWUA and the establishment of purchasing policies.