Meeting Minutes of November 11, 1997
Chairman Richard Jumps called the meeting to order at 7:00pm. A roll call vote was taken and present were: Chairman Richard Jumps, Vice Chairman Herbert Donow, Mr. Tom Dilley, Mrs. Donna Williams, and Mr. Alan McCaslin. Also present were employees Ron Lada and Karen Townsend.
The visitor attending the meeting was Mr. Paul Schmidt of the Kemper CPA Group in Anna, Illinois.
The meeting began with the review of the minutes from the October 1997 meeting. A motion was made by Mr. Donow to accept the minutes as presented. Seconded by Mrs. Williams and with 5 yes and 0 no votes, the minutes were approved.
The current financial reports were next reviewed by the board members with Mr. Schmidt. Also discussed was income and expenditures, budget v actual. It was noted that income was done; however, expenses were also down. Discussed lost revenue, the need for increased funds for depreciation and the necessity of a water rate increase.
Mr. Schmidt proposed three scenarios on rate increases. The board members considered the examples proposed which consisted of increases of 15.5%, 28.8%, and 40% to Buncombe customers. More discussion followed taking into account previous losses, the upcoming rate increase of 10% by our supplier and the future bond increase.
It was decided that a letter announcing the rate increases be mailed to all customers including new rate information and noting previous increases which were absorbed by the District as well as previous rate decreases.
A motion as made by Vice Chairman Donow to increase water rates as outlined in Example 2 of Mr. Schmidt’s proposal ($10.00 for “0” usage, $11.00 for the first 1 to 1,000 gallons, and $8.00 per 1,000 prorated thereafter) effective with the December 1997 billing. This motion was accepted by Mr. McCaslin, and with 5 yes and 0 no votes, the motion carried.
The communication presented was a letter from the Greater Egypt Regional Plan & Development Commission requesting our participation. It was decided that the organization would not benefit the operation of this District. Karen Townsend to write a letter of non-acceptance.
Old business discussed was a request from Mr. Dilley as to the status of the fire hydrant installation mentioned to him. Ron Lada indicated he is waiting for parts to complete the installation.
The Schedule of Regular Meetings for 1998 was reviewed and signed by the Chairman. No other new business was presented at this time.
Vice Chairman Donow recommended that a short communication be sent with the rate increase letters to the customers notifying them of the vacancies on the board and requesting a response from interested parties. There was brief discussion about a quarterly newsletter.
The Secretary/Treasurer Report was presented by Karen Townsend along with the Accounts Payable Report detailing bills for payment in November. Motion was made by Vice Chairman Donow to accept the Secretary Report and pay the bills; seconded by Mr. McCaslin, and with 5 yes and 0 no votes, the motion carried.
The Water Supply Operator Report was presented by Ron Lada noting that all tests were completed with no related problems. Also discussed was the high water loss terrain; loss at 8% average.
No additional public comments or questions were addressed at this time.
No ordinances were reviewed at this time. Ideas for updates to be discussed between Chairman Jumps and Vice Chairman Donow for presentation at a future meeting.
There being no further business, the motion was made for adjournment. A voice vote was taken and with 5 yes and 0 no votes, the meeting adjourned at 9:00pm