One notable issue discussed was the community’s reaction to a new $25 charge on water bills. Board members addressed misinformation circulating on social media, clarifying that a two-thirds vote was indeed required and achieved for the decision to borrow money, which included this charge. A board member labeled comments suggesting otherwise as “absolutely untrue” and emphasized the unanimous initial vote. This sparked a broader discussion about the validity of social media discourse, with members expressing frustration that many online commentators did not attend meetings to voice concerns directly. One member stated, “If people really cared about it, they should come in here,” highlighting a desire for more direct engagement from the community.

In addition to the billing charge discussions, the board reviewed the status of several infrastructure projects, most notably the ongoing work at Rolling Acres. Only one house service remained to be completed, and cleanup efforts were expected to begin soon. Residents had experienced minor inconveniences due to roadwork, but these were anticipated to be resolved shortly. The board commended the contractor, MDR, for managing traffic and executing the project despite these disruptions.

The board also considered the performance of new employees, particularly one individual in a six-month probation period pursuing a D1 T1 license. Positive remarks were made about the staff’s increasing expertise in managing leaks and requisitions.

Another discussion point was the necessity for a new truck, with current quotes ranging between $83,000 and $89,000 for Ford and Dodge models. The board debated whether to purchase through a state bid or open bid, given concerns about the reliability of the current vehicle. Members speculated on the possibility of trading in the old truck to offset costs and considered exploring different brands and models. There was a preference for smaller, more versatile vehicles that could handle various operational demands, including winter weather conditions.

The meeting also addressed the expiration of an agreement with AT&T regarding equipment on the Chase tank, set to expire in about a year and a half. Plans for a request for proposals (RFP) were discussed to invite competitive bidding for cellular equipment placement, potentially including additional carriers to enhance competitiveness.

Public sentiment on the district’s master plan was another topic, with misconceptions on social media suggesting the need for a plan. The board clarified that the existing master plan includes infrastructure details and maintenance schedules, functioning as a capital improvement document. The integration of new regulations with existing plans is expected to evolve, necessitating ongoing communication with the community.

Rising utility costs and public misunderstanding about rate increases also featured in the discussions. The board compared water rates to other utilities, noting that water rates have remained relatively stable. They emphasized the district’s nonprofit status and focus on providing clean water amid increasing costs of chemicals and infrastructure maintenance. The challenge of communicating these realities and the impact of new regulations to residents was acknowledged, with board members recognizing the need for transparency and proactive community engagement.