Washington County Service Authority

This strategic plan outlines an organizational roadmap for Washington County Service Authority (WCSA) to guide its future, allocate resources, and align the organization. The plan aims to achieve WCSA's vision of being a trusted public utility and community leader in Southwest Virginia by focusing on strategic initiatives including maintaining reliable infrastructure, pursuing growth and expansion opportunities, ensuring financial viability, enhancing internal and external communications, identifying and integrating technology for effective operations, and fostering employee engagement. The overarching goal is to provide excellent, affordable, environmentally responsible water and wastewater services while promoting growth and improving the standard of living in Washington County.

This Capital Improvement Plan for FY 2025-2029 outlines a five-year roadmap for creating, maintaining, upgrading, and replacing infrastructure needs for the Washington County Service Authority (WCSA). The plan focuses on ensuring an adequate supply of drinking water and expanding wastewater collection and treatment systems through various projects, including upgrading existing infrastructure and system expansion. Key areas of investment include numerous water line extension and replacement projects, booster pump station improvements, and several wastewater infrastructure projects aimed at extending services and improving treatment capabilities. The overarching vision is to be a trusted public utility and community leader, maintaining reliable infrastructure to meet customer needs in Southwest Virginia, with an investment exceeding $50 million.

This strategic plan outlines WCSA's long-term vision and framework, driven by critical success factors to meet customer needs. Its primary goals are maintaining a reliable infrastructure and recruiting, developing, and retaining a top-tier team. The plan guides investment and resource allocation to address the challenges of an aging water system and workforce development, ensuring continued optimal service to Washington County residents.

The annual board meeting included several engineering reports. Updates were provided on the Whites Mill Road Improvements project, indicating it is 50-60% complete with a targeted final completion in early fall. For the Exit 13 Sewer Project Phases 2 & 3, an engineering agreement with Anderson & Associates for preliminary engineering and community meetings was considered and approved. Updates were also given on the Route 58 Water Storage Tank project. Discussion on the Galvanized Line Replacement Project led to approval to utilize leftover asphalt restoration funds for additional galvanized line replacement, pending RD approval. A Change Order for the Drinking Water Treatment Plant Expansion, increasing the cost by $41,715.30 and adding 60 days, was approved. Other project updates covered the Raw Waterline Replacement and WCSA Administrative Building roof replacement. The General Manager's Report highlighted monthly performance metrics, including water production, leak repairs, customer service activities, and the excellent ranking of the Middle Fork Drinking Water Plant for 2010. The Board also addressed capacity concerns related to nonresidential connection fees. The General Manager reported on the unsuccessful CDBG grant application for the Mendota Water System Improvement Project. Officers for the 2011-2012 Fiscal Year were reelected, along with committee appointments. The regular board meeting schedule for the upcoming fiscal year was approved. The Board also approved a Bond Resolution authorizing the issuance of a Water System Revenue Bond up to $4,334,000 for the Reedy Creek Road Water System Improvement Project, approved banking resolutions, accepted the Capital Improvements Projects Report, and approved an engineering agreement with Adams-Heath Engineering for the Abingdon Water Storage Tank Project and the Green Spring Road Water System Improvement Project. An engineering agreement with The Lane Group for the Bristol Area Waterline Restructuring Project was approved, followed by approval to advertise the construction bids for that project. The purchase of two dump trucks for $142,000 total was approved. The Board then convened in a Closed Meeting to discuss property acquisition, investment of public funds, and legal advice.

The board meeting covered several key areas including regulatory compliance for water and wastewater, fire hydrant maintenance, and the Itron AMI Meter Project. There were no violations reported for water or wastewater in May 2024. Repairs were completed on five fire hydrants, with ongoing work scheduled for others. The Itron AMI Meter Project addressed software issues and meter network expansion. Updates were provided on water line extension projects, applications for funding for water improvements, and progress on the Mendota Waterline Extension Project and Mary's Chapel Project/Archery Range Road. The Smyth Chapel Improvements Project is progressing with tree clearing. Updates were also given on the Lee Highway Corridor Sewer Improvements Project and various developer projects. The Human Resources & Safety Dashboard highlighted key process indicators, lead service line training, and employee anniversaries.