1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:08,720 Good morning. Good morning. Let's bring the public utility board meeting of Monday, July 2 00:00:08,720 --> 00:00:15,440 28, 2025 to order. Are there any presentations from the public? There are not. We will move 3 00:00:15,440 --> 00:00:22,160 on to the consent agenda. Would any board member like to remove any item from the consent 4 00:00:22,160 --> 00:00:34,640 agenda? No? There's no beefs. So with that, I'll entertain a motion to approve the consent 5 00:00:34,640 --> 00:00:42,920 agenda, as is. Second. Motion and a second. All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Passes 6 00:00:42,920 --> 00:00:50,200 unanimously. We're moving on to items for individual consideration. Item A, which is considered 7 00:00:50,200 --> 00:00:56,360 to the approval of the July 14th minutes. Entertain a motion for that. We have a motion 8 00:00:56,360 --> 00:01:05,840 and a second. Raider. Plot. All those in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed? Unanimously 9 00:01:05,840 --> 00:01:13,160 pass. Item B, consider recommendation, recommending adoption of an ordinance of the City of Denton 10 00:01:13,160 --> 00:01:18,040 at Texas Home Rule Municipal Corporation authorizing the approval of the first amendment to a professional 11 00:01:18,040 --> 00:01:24,480 services agreement with the City of Denton and Kimley Horn. This is for the additional 12 00:01:24,480 --> 00:01:29,680 engineering design and construction phase for the Pecan Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, 13 00:01:29,680 --> 00:01:38,360 Water Reclamation Plant. Good morning. Jason Donnell, Water Utilities Project Manager. 14 00:01:38,360 --> 00:01:42,520 Today for consideration, we have a design contract amendment with Kimley Horn and Associates 15 00:01:42,520 --> 00:01:49,600 for the Pecan Creek Water Reclamation Plant design expansion to 30MGD. The current plant 16 00:01:49,600 --> 00:01:55,520 was built in 1961 and has a capacity of 21 million gallons per day, is currently operating 17 00:01:55,520 --> 00:02:03,760 up to 85% of its capacity. TCEQ7090 rule states that once you reach 75% capacity, you need 18 00:02:03,760 --> 00:02:08,320 to be in design for expansion. Once you reach 90, you need to be in construction. Since 19 00:02:08,320 --> 00:02:16,880 we have hit that back in 2023, this particular contract was awarded to Kimley Horn through 20 00:02:16,880 --> 00:02:22,920 PUB and council in May and June of '23. As part of that, we had to increase our discharge 21 00:02:22,920 --> 00:02:30,480 limits with a two-stage permit up to 30MGD. Currently that is complete and ready to go. 22 00:02:30,480 --> 00:02:34,640 At the beginning of this, there was a condition assessment performed of the existing plant 23 00:02:34,640 --> 00:02:42,360 to develop scoring criteria for infrastructure and equipment to make sure we were in compliance 24 00:02:42,360 --> 00:02:48,800 regulatory or out to prove either way and to make recommendations to move forward. Comparing 25 00:02:48,800 --> 00:02:54,120 the rehabilitation of the existing plant to building a new plant, there is an estimated 26 00:02:54,120 --> 00:02:59,600 cost savings of approximately $133 million, in which it was recommended to the city to 27 00:02:59,600 --> 00:03:06,720 move forward and build a completely new plant at 30MGD. This chart is a cost breakdown of 28 00:03:06,720 --> 00:03:13,360 that exercise showing that rehabbing the plant is approximately $82.5 million. The 5MGD expansion 29 00:03:13,360 --> 00:03:21,720 up to 389.5, connecting the two plants together is about 12.5, after which the rehab portion 30 00:03:21,720 --> 00:03:29,460 would need to be replaced relatively soon due to its age, expanding that 21MGD to new. 31 00:03:29,460 --> 00:03:37,320 But the $636.7 million estimate completion in July of 2034, whereas rebuilding the new 32 00:03:37,320 --> 00:03:43,200 plant, we would carry about $5.8 million to maintain existing infrastructure while building 33 00:03:43,200 --> 00:03:50,400 the new one for 498, a total of $503.8, completion about two and a half years earlier in December 34 00:03:50,400 --> 00:04:01,640 of 2031. The current contract includes a sewer interceptor, headworks bar screen, 5MGD MBR, 35 00:04:01,640 --> 00:04:07,080 solids handling UV disinfection, and a 30 million gallon equalization basin, which is 36 00:04:07,080 --> 00:04:15,560 basically a giant pond. We're at 14.952 million. The recommended amendment includes an additional 37 00:04:15,560 --> 00:04:24,160 25MGD MBR to make us a total of 30MGD. It will add the biological nutrient removal to 38 00:04:24,160 --> 00:04:32,040 the project, some aerobic digesters, a non-pot water system for reuse, chemical feed system 39 00:04:32,040 --> 00:04:38,160 and operations and scatability will be included, and emergency generators. The amendment also 40 00:04:38,160 --> 00:04:46,360 includes the contract administration from Kimley-Horn, our resident project representative 41 00:04:46,360 --> 00:04:51,360 from Kimley-Horn, which will represent the city, and environmental assessment services 42 00:04:51,360 --> 00:05:02,760 to help the city on the environmental side, for a total of $33.792500. Any questions? 43 00:05:02,760 --> 00:05:03,760 Thank you. 44 00:05:03,760 --> 00:05:05,680 I know you'll have some. I heard you talking a minute ago. 45 00:05:05,680 --> 00:05:12,360 Mr. Rayner. I'd like to talk about more of my Fortalean real estate. What is the footprint 46 00:05:12,360 --> 00:05:15,160 on that particular site? 47 00:05:15,160 --> 00:05:16,160 The whole site? 48 00:05:16,160 --> 00:05:17,160 No, the new one. 49 00:05:17,160 --> 00:05:24,680 In other words, the new plant, if we vote for this, is it a two acre size, is it three 50 00:05:24,680 --> 00:05:25,680 acre, five acres? 51 00:05:25,680 --> 00:05:30,320 It's approximately 30 acres. The existing plant is on about 40. The total plant with 52 00:05:30,320 --> 00:05:36,400 the basins and everything is 180 acres. The actual treatment portion is on a little over 53 00:05:36,400 --> 00:05:44,520 40. This portion will be about 30, just south of it, in an open area. The old plant will 54 00:05:44,520 --> 00:05:48,760 later be demoed, and that will be open. All of that is city owned property by the water 55 00:05:48,760 --> 00:05:50,680 reclamation plant. It's available. 56 00:05:50,680 --> 00:05:56,080 Thank you. So the 40 acres, which will be leveled, then they could be used for their 57 00:05:56,080 --> 00:05:57,080 whatever expansion. 58 00:05:57,080 --> 00:06:00,640 The expansion would be the planning portion of it, yes, sir. 59 00:06:00,640 --> 00:06:04,920 So that's 70 acres out of approximately, would you say, 130 acres that we have? 60 00:06:04,920 --> 00:06:12,040 About 180 is what's being utilized. There's some equalization ponds further down for the 61 00:06:12,040 --> 00:06:18,800 existing plant. They will be also re-dug and increased in size for increased emergency 62 00:06:18,800 --> 00:06:19,800 capacity. 63 00:06:19,800 --> 00:06:20,800 Thank you. 64 00:06:20,800 --> 00:06:34,680 I knew it was coming. So I'm trying to remember, what was the original estimate of this project 65 00:06:34,680 --> 00:06:39,480 cost when we approved the original design contract? 66 00:06:39,480 --> 00:06:46,600 The original design contract in 2023, I believe there was an opinion of probable cost from 67 00:06:46,600 --> 00:06:53,080 the design firm of $189 million. That was for the 5M GDMBR. 68 00:06:53,080 --> 00:07:00,600 And so basically the retrofit is the surprise? Like the retrofit of the remaining 21? 69 00:07:00,600 --> 00:07:08,680 The retrofit is a huge portion, the $82.5 million, just to limp it along, and then you're 70 00:07:08,680 --> 00:07:14,400 basically double spending here, because you're rehabbing 60-year-old concrete, which you 71 00:07:14,400 --> 00:07:22,160 can only rehab the exterior, not the interior. So it would have to be replaced for a better 72 00:07:22,160 --> 00:07:26,580 discharge later. It's kind of double paying for it, yes, sir. 73 00:07:26,580 --> 00:07:32,680 There were also a few more things added other than what you spoke of. There's a building 74 00:07:32,680 --> 00:07:37,160 added, a new chemical feed non-pot system, and aerobic digesters due to the increase 75 00:07:37,160 --> 00:07:42,640 to 25. Well, those are these round structures here, which will turn some of the solids into 76 00:07:42,640 --> 00:07:44,320 gas, which can be reused. 77 00:07:44,320 --> 00:07:50,880 And so this completely replaces the existing 40 acres of facility, this 30-acre facility? 78 00:07:50,880 --> 00:07:56,720 Yes, sir. If you look in the picture here, the existing is this top left. The new is 79 00:07:56,720 --> 00:08:02,280 this bottom part. It's a little bit smaller footprint. It completely replaces everything, 80 00:08:02,280 --> 00:08:06,280 at which point the old one, there would be another project to demo the old one. 81 00:08:06,280 --> 00:08:12,060 And this is just the nature of everything's more efficient now, requires less time in 82 00:08:12,060 --> 00:08:15,000 process. You don't have to have as big of tanks, and that sort of thing. 83 00:08:15,000 --> 00:08:22,320 You can discharge faster, and the quality of the water exiting is a bit higher quality. 84 00:08:22,320 --> 00:08:25,280 So it's safer for the environment, too. That's the MBR technology. 85 00:08:25,280 --> 00:08:27,280 Okay. Thank you. 86 00:08:27,280 --> 00:08:29,280 Yes, sir. 87 00:08:29,280 --> 00:08:54,180 I'm going back to the cost comparison. At what point did we start the consideration 88 00:08:54,180 --> 00:08:57,720 of the new plant? 89 00:08:57,720 --> 00:08:59,720 Over a rehabbing? 90 00:08:59,720 --> 00:09:00,720 Yes. 91 00:09:00,720 --> 00:09:05,080 I came on board here in January of '24. It was shortly thereafter when we met with exec 92 00:09:05,080 --> 00:09:10,360 staff and our internal engineering team to go over the cost models. It was about that 93 00:09:10,360 --> 00:09:14,720 time we started considering that. A few months later, with recommendations to the consultant, 94 00:09:14,720 --> 00:09:16,880 that was the decision. 95 00:09:16,880 --> 00:09:24,480 Okay. The cost savings, what was the original estimate? Back up a little bit. I'm sorry, 96 00:09:24,480 --> 00:09:25,480 you said it a moment ago. 97 00:09:25,480 --> 00:09:31,440 The original was $189 million. Back in 2023, it was a very early cost, opinion of probable 98 00:09:31,440 --> 00:09:33,840 cost from the engineering firm. 99 00:09:33,840 --> 00:09:41,840 Right. Okay. But 636 is what we think is the real number for the existing plant rehab, 100 00:09:41,840 --> 00:09:42,840 right? 101 00:09:42,840 --> 00:09:44,920 It's going to be as close as we can get. 102 00:09:44,920 --> 00:09:45,920 Yes, sir. 103 00:09:45,920 --> 00:09:46,920 That's your guess. That's your estimate. 104 00:09:46,920 --> 00:09:52,200 That's a very difficult guess going 10 years out for the construction cost. That's as close 105 00:09:52,200 --> 00:09:56,800 as we've been able to get to it. We're fairly confident we're within 10%. 106 00:09:56,800 --> 00:10:09,580 Gotcha. Okay. That's all I got. Anybody else? 107 00:10:09,580 --> 00:10:11,760 Extended life for the new one was the question. 108 00:10:11,760 --> 00:10:17,560 The planned life for a new plant is 50 years. The planned equipment life is 30 years. All 109 00:10:17,560 --> 00:10:23,400 of this can be extended with money. Better maintenance and replacing workwear parts can 110 00:10:23,400 --> 00:10:24,760 extend that. 111 00:10:24,760 --> 00:10:31,560 So the new plant, potentially 50 years, and then parts you said for 30? 112 00:10:31,560 --> 00:10:35,000 Equipment, motors, and pumps. They have a planned life of 30. 113 00:10:35,000 --> 00:10:37,240 The 50 years, just the shell itself. 114 00:10:37,240 --> 00:10:38,240 Yes, sir. 115 00:10:38,240 --> 00:10:45,560 So really, other than the cost of the shell, what we're looking at is the part or the years 116 00:10:45,560 --> 00:10:48,280 for the part changes, really, wouldn't it be? 117 00:10:48,280 --> 00:10:51,280 The whole lot of equipment, yes, sir. 118 00:10:51,280 --> 00:10:54,720 Yeah. Okay. Thank you. 119 00:10:54,720 --> 00:11:00,760 Okay. So any more questions on this? 120 00:11:00,760 --> 00:11:04,640 Do we have approval? 121 00:11:04,640 --> 00:11:06,840 We have a motion to approve. 122 00:11:06,840 --> 00:11:07,840 Second. 123 00:11:07,840 --> 00:11:13,080 And a second. Any further discussion? If not, all those in favor, please say aye. 124 00:11:13,080 --> 00:11:14,080 Aye. 125 00:11:14,080 --> 00:11:17,720 Any opposed? Doesn't appear to be. Passes unanimously. 126 00:11:17,720 --> 00:11:27,040 All right. We're moving on to item C. Consider recommending adoption of an ordinance for 127 00:11:27,040 --> 00:11:36,160 the city manager to execute a contract with RDO equipment for if over 50,000, we go to 128 00:11:36,160 --> 00:11:45,680 a competitive bidding. The first one is 371,000 for approval. 129 00:11:45,680 --> 00:11:54,080 I guess there's no, nobody's presenting anything. 130 00:11:54,080 --> 00:11:56,120 That's all right. 131 00:11:56,120 --> 00:11:57,680 Good morning, Brenda Haney. There is no- 132 00:11:57,680 --> 00:11:59,440 I'm sorry, I read the wrong thing. 133 00:11:59,440 --> 00:12:02,280 Okay, perfect. I thought that was on consent, so we did not want to bring it up. 134 00:12:02,280 --> 00:12:03,280 That would be me. Thank you. 135 00:12:03,280 --> 00:12:04,280 Yeah, perfect. 136 00:12:04,280 --> 00:12:05,280 Just testing. Thank you very much. 137 00:12:05,280 --> 00:12:11,960 Yeah, thank you. Yeah. Okay. I guess we're moving on to the fun part. This is item C. 138 00:12:11,960 --> 00:12:16,960 Consider recommending approval of a solid waste fund fiscal year 2025-26 operating in 139 00:12:16,960 --> 00:12:22,160 capital budget. There appears to be a presentation on this item. 140 00:12:22,160 --> 00:12:25,360 Popcorn outside. 141 00:12:25,360 --> 00:12:29,360 That's right. 142 00:12:29,360 --> 00:12:37,680 All right. Good morning, Chair, members of the board, Matt Hamilton, ADF Finance, here 143 00:12:37,680 --> 00:12:45,200 to present a number of presentations, each for the utilities, and then we also have some 144 00:12:45,200 --> 00:12:55,280 items as well for you specific to rate recommendations as well. We provided just a printout for you, 145 00:12:55,280 --> 00:13:01,200 which was the same as the backup information for each of these items, just so that it was 146 00:13:01,200 --> 00:13:05,920 a little bit larger because we know some of the numbers on the screen can be a little 147 00:13:05,920 --> 00:13:12,280 small and we had a request last week, or excuse me, at the prior meeting to provide the breakout 148 00:13:12,280 --> 00:13:23,320 of the CIP projects, which is what that exhibit is, is the full list of the projects. Myself 149 00:13:23,320 --> 00:13:28,360 and also the departments are here to answer any questions that you may have in regard 150 00:13:28,360 --> 00:13:33,600 to the budget or in regard to those specific projects. 151 00:13:33,600 --> 00:13:43,160 So starting with solid waste, as we had talked about at the last meeting, solid waste has 152 00:13:43,160 --> 00:13:50,120 proposed a 4.2% increase to their budget for fiscal year 2026. However, there is no base 153 00:13:50,120 --> 00:13:59,880 rate increase proposed for 2026. There are some minor changes to the rate ordinance that 154 00:13:59,880 --> 00:14:08,520 we'll get into in another slide. As we went through the zero base budgeting process this 155 00:14:08,520 --> 00:14:13,640 year, which was new to the city and we went through it citywide, solid waste identified 156 00:14:13,640 --> 00:14:25,360 $980,000 in reductions, $212,000 in personnel by reducing the number of deputy directors 157 00:14:25,360 --> 00:14:34,680 from 2 to 1, $209,000 in materials and supplies, $17,500 in maintenance and repair, $397,000 158 00:14:34,680 --> 00:14:42,180 in operations, and $144,000 in fixed assets, which related to rehabbing the containers 159 00:14:42,180 --> 00:14:47,520 rather than replacing them. 160 00:14:47,520 --> 00:14:52,760 So proposed rate schedule updates, again, no base rate increase is proposed for solid 161 00:14:52,760 --> 00:14:59,000 waste. However, we are proposing adding a category called front load, side load, shared 162 00:14:59,000 --> 00:15:08,760 services to the rate schedule. These are existing charges for refuge and recycling but are not 163 00:15:08,760 --> 00:15:14,600 currently clearly defined in the rate schedule, so you just create its own category and make 164 00:15:14,600 --> 00:15:22,520 it clear that that's what the current rates are. And then clarifying that re-delivery 165 00:15:22,520 --> 00:15:28,520 is part of the delivery service fee, and so this relates to primarily when there's a 166 00:15:28,520 --> 00:15:36,320 disconnection in service and then solid waste re-delivers a cart to the property when the 167 00:15:36,320 --> 00:15:48,120 service is resumed and then reducing the per item bulk collection limit from 10 to 5. 168 00:15:48,120 --> 00:15:52,440 So taking a look at the five-year preliminary forecast, this is the same forecast that we 169 00:15:52,440 --> 00:16:05,960 had reviewed at the prior meeting. The proposed fiscal year 2026 budget is $45,353,673. Again, 170 00:16:05,960 --> 00:16:18,360 there is no -- I'm sorry, that's on the revenue side. Expenditures of $44,949,845 and no base 171 00:16:18,360 --> 00:16:24,120 rate increase. 172 00:16:24,120 --> 00:16:29,560 So the solid waste five-year capital plan for fiscal year 2026, the big project is the 173 00:16:29,560 --> 00:16:36,580 organics program and the infrastructure associated with it. $7.2 million in vehicle replacements 174 00:16:36,580 --> 00:16:45,960 and $448,000 in vehicle additions for a total of $21.7 million. $18.2 million of that being 175 00:16:45,960 --> 00:16:53,120 debt funded and $3.4 million being revenue funded. As we talked about at the last meeting, 176 00:16:53,120 --> 00:16:58,820 as you'll see in starting fiscal year 27, all of the vehicles will be revenue funded 177 00:16:58,820 --> 00:17:06,360 and so we're making a concerted effort to revenue fund more of the capital program as 178 00:17:06,360 --> 00:17:13,200 we move forward. Any questions on solid waste? 179 00:17:13,200 --> 00:17:15,440 Mr. Reiner. 180 00:17:15,440 --> 00:17:23,820 Slide number three. On the re-delivery, that would be on an existing client, gotten arrears, 181 00:17:23,820 --> 00:17:28,760 it was closed, you removed it, but that's only for that existing client to have it back, 182 00:17:28,760 --> 00:17:33,280 it's not for a new one coming in. That charge is not involved at all. 183 00:17:33,280 --> 00:17:34,280 That's correct. 184 00:17:34,280 --> 00:17:35,280 All right. Thank you. 185 00:17:35,280 --> 00:17:44,560 One more on this slide. The bulk item collection, is it 10 items or 10 pickups down to five? 186 00:17:44,560 --> 00:17:45,560 Items or pickups? 187 00:17:45,560 --> 00:17:46,560 Items. 188 00:17:46,560 --> 00:17:47,840 See, I knew I'd get you up there. 189 00:17:47,840 --> 00:17:50,520 I'm sorry to get you up there all the way. 190 00:17:50,520 --> 00:17:51,520 That was one of them. 191 00:17:51,520 --> 00:17:55,160 Brenda Haney, Director of Solid Waste. Yes, we're reducing the number of items that we're 192 00:17:55,160 --> 00:18:01,360 picking up at each location from 10 to five, starting with the next fiscal year. 193 00:18:01,360 --> 00:18:05,800 Is that five per week or is that like five per- 194 00:18:05,800 --> 00:18:11,400 It's per collection cycle, so it is per week. 195 00:18:11,400 --> 00:18:15,760 The other thing in full disclosure, multifamily units are using a lot of this and what we've 196 00:18:15,760 --> 00:18:20,120 asked them to do, what they've done has been very creative and they have multiple places 197 00:18:20,120 --> 00:18:24,840 throughout their complex where they have 10 items and we've asked them to consolidate 198 00:18:24,840 --> 00:18:27,600 it and put it at one location. 199 00:18:27,600 --> 00:18:33,360 A lot of the intent behind this program was to facilitate the cleanup and maintenance 200 00:18:33,360 --> 00:18:37,840 of some of those smaller units that didn't have on-site personnel to handle those items 201 00:18:37,840 --> 00:18:42,200 and so we wanted to provide them an avenue for getting rid of those bulk items, particularly 202 00:18:42,200 --> 00:18:45,520 when people are moving in and moving out. 203 00:18:45,520 --> 00:18:50,620 What we found is the bigger units, bigger complexes that have the capacity and the staff 204 00:18:50,620 --> 00:18:55,880 on board to help with that are taking advantage of the system a little bit. 205 00:18:55,880 --> 00:19:00,920 I know for residential it's great because it prevents dumping because a lot of times 206 00:19:00,920 --> 00:19:06,240 renters move out and they have some old furniture and instead of it ending up in the creek, 207 00:19:06,240 --> 00:19:09,040 they just put it on the curb and it gets taken away once a year. 208 00:19:09,040 --> 00:19:13,760 It's a balancing act of making sure that we get an appropriate number to accommodate 209 00:19:13,760 --> 00:19:19,840 the needs of people and not encourage the illegal dumping of those items. 210 00:19:19,840 --> 00:19:21,800 Thank you. 211 00:19:21,800 --> 00:19:24,200 You're welcome. 212 00:19:24,200 --> 00:19:25,640 Okay. 213 00:19:25,640 --> 00:19:26,640 Thank you. 214 00:19:26,640 --> 00:19:27,640 All right. 215 00:19:27,640 --> 00:19:28,640 Thank you. 216 00:19:28,640 --> 00:19:37,800 Those are the questions I believe that you have, the preliminary budget reductions. 217 00:19:37,800 --> 00:19:38,800 Okay. 218 00:19:38,800 --> 00:19:39,800 That says it. 219 00:19:39,800 --> 00:19:40,800 That's fine. 220 00:19:40,800 --> 00:19:41,800 Okay. 221 00:19:41,800 --> 00:19:42,800 That's all I got. 222 00:19:42,800 --> 00:19:43,800 Anybody else? 223 00:19:43,800 --> 00:19:44,800 All right. 224 00:19:44,800 --> 00:19:45,800 Anybody? 225 00:19:45,800 --> 00:19:46,800 Entertain a motion to approve. 226 00:19:46,800 --> 00:19:47,800 I'll move approval. 227 00:19:47,800 --> 00:19:48,800 Second. 228 00:19:48,800 --> 00:19:49,800 We have a motion and a second. 229 00:19:49,800 --> 00:19:50,800 All those in favor please say aye. 230 00:19:50,800 --> 00:19:51,800 Aye. 231 00:19:51,800 --> 00:19:52,800 It's unanimous. 232 00:19:52,800 --> 00:19:53,800 Thank you very much. 233 00:19:53,800 --> 00:20:00,320 We're moving on to item D, water fund. 234 00:20:00,320 --> 00:20:03,440 You read the whole thing, shouldn't I? 235 00:20:03,440 --> 00:20:08,600 Consider recommending approval of the water fund fiscal year 2025-26 operating on the 236 00:20:08,600 --> 00:20:11,880 capital budget. 237 00:20:11,880 --> 00:20:15,280 Okay. 238 00:20:15,280 --> 00:20:20,760 Matt Hamilton, ADF Finance, here to present the water proposed budget for fiscal year 239 00:20:20,760 --> 00:20:23,480 2025-26. 240 00:20:23,480 --> 00:20:29,240 The water budget has a total increase of 6.3% over the budget for last year. 241 00:20:29,240 --> 00:20:35,160 What is being proposed is a 3% rate increase for residential and commercial as well as 242 00:20:35,160 --> 00:20:39,520 industrial and we'll get into some slides that detail exactly what those rate increases 243 00:20:39,520 --> 00:20:40,520 look like. 244 00:20:40,520 --> 00:20:47,600 A 297% rate increase on the wholesale treated water which we'll see as well in the slides. 245 00:20:47,600 --> 00:21:00,480 Revenue projections of 59,167,356 and expense projections of 62,799,520. 246 00:21:00,480 --> 00:21:08,960 The water fund anticipates holding two vacancies vacant through fiscal year 2026. 247 00:21:08,960 --> 00:21:13,120 A retail rate study and wholesale rate study have been completed this year and that was 248 00:21:13,120 --> 00:21:18,080 factored into the creation of the budget. 249 00:21:18,080 --> 00:21:23,080 Also just to note that the WIFIA and Texas Water Development Board funding is also included 250 00:21:23,080 --> 00:21:30,680 in the budget and staff has really been making a concerted effort to align the capital improvement 251 00:21:30,680 --> 00:21:35,440 plan with the investment portfolio just from a cash management perspective and that just 252 00:21:35,440 --> 00:21:43,280 ensures that when we do issue debt it's not sitting, you know, it's being put to use and 253 00:21:43,280 --> 00:21:45,680 we're managing that cash flow well. 254 00:21:45,680 --> 00:21:56,600 And then of course just balancing affordability with the growth of the city. 255 00:21:56,600 --> 00:22:03,600 So taking a look at the five-year water forecast for fiscal year 2026 as I mentioned 59.1 million 256 00:22:03,600 --> 00:22:13,480 in revenue, 62.7 million in expenditures, and a 3% rate increase on residential, commercial, 257 00:22:13,480 --> 00:22:19,940 and 297% on treated water. 258 00:22:19,940 --> 00:22:26,880 So getting into the preliminary rate changes or proposed rate changes for residential and 259 00:22:26,880 --> 00:22:35,240 commercial, inside the corporate limits a 3% rate increase, for residential and commercial 260 00:22:35,240 --> 00:22:43,360 service outside the corporate limits a 3% increase, for irrigation that is metered both 261 00:22:43,360 --> 00:22:51,320 residential and commercial inside corporate limits 3%, and the same outside corporate 262 00:22:51,320 --> 00:22:58,420 limits of 3%, a 3% increase on metered water from hydrants. 263 00:22:58,420 --> 00:22:59,420 What is that? 264 00:22:59,420 --> 00:23:04,200 Is that the dollar? 265 00:23:04,200 --> 00:23:05,200 Yes, sorry the... 266 00:23:05,200 --> 00:23:06,200 [inaudible] 267 00:23:06,200 --> 00:23:07,200 Okay. 268 00:23:07,200 --> 00:23:08,200 Got it. 269 00:23:08,200 --> 00:23:09,200 Okay. 270 00:23:09,200 --> 00:23:22,440 On the wholesale well water, one change, we currently have a specific rate in the book 271 00:23:22,440 --> 00:23:26,240 of 96 cents for opportunity. 272 00:23:26,240 --> 00:23:32,720 The contract actually stipulates it's 85% of the Dallas wholesale untreated water rate. 273 00:23:32,720 --> 00:23:37,440 And so what we are proposing is just to change the language in the rate ordinance to the 274 00:23:37,440 --> 00:23:38,980 85%. 275 00:23:38,980 --> 00:23:48,280 And the reason for this is that both Denton and Dallas contemplate rate increases through 276 00:23:48,280 --> 00:23:50,080 the budget process at the same time. 277 00:23:50,080 --> 00:23:59,960 And so we don't know as we're putting together our budgets and rates what that adopted rate 278 00:23:59,960 --> 00:24:05,560 in Dallas will be until late in the fall. 279 00:24:05,560 --> 00:24:11,560 And so what this would do is it would allow us to adjust the rate rather than in the fall 280 00:24:11,560 --> 00:24:19,160 rather than wait in another year essentially to implement it and be a year behind in the 281 00:24:19,160 --> 00:24:21,160 rate that we're charging. 282 00:24:21,160 --> 00:24:22,160 Question? 283 00:24:22,160 --> 00:24:24,360 Mr. Rainey. 284 00:24:24,360 --> 00:24:27,720 So is this a contractual agreement on the 85%? 285 00:24:27,720 --> 00:24:28,720 Yes. 286 00:24:28,720 --> 00:24:34,100 And so that stays the same. 287 00:24:34,100 --> 00:24:36,600 Dallas comes up with a number. 288 00:24:36,600 --> 00:24:42,880 So then how do we -- is our number part of the 85% or do we just come up with a number 289 00:24:42,880 --> 00:24:46,000 but make sure that it falls within the 85%? 290 00:24:46,000 --> 00:24:48,000 Is that kind of how I'm seeing it? 291 00:24:48,000 --> 00:24:50,080 Our number is the 85%. 292 00:24:50,080 --> 00:24:51,080 Okay. 293 00:24:51,080 --> 00:24:54,240 So we're just really tied to whatever Dallas wishes. 294 00:24:54,240 --> 00:24:55,240 Yes. 295 00:24:55,240 --> 00:24:56,240 So if it goes up, it goes up. 296 00:24:56,240 --> 00:25:01,640 If it goes down, we'll take a picture. 297 00:25:01,640 --> 00:25:03,200 That's really what we're looking at, right? 298 00:25:03,200 --> 00:25:04,200 Yeah. 299 00:25:04,200 --> 00:25:08,640 We're just trying to clarify the language in the fee schedule to reflect what is in 300 00:25:08,640 --> 00:25:16,260 the contract rather than a rate which the rate would be essentially a year behind because 301 00:25:16,260 --> 00:25:20,720 we won't know what that is until after Dallas adopts. 302 00:25:20,720 --> 00:25:24,840 And do we both get into a room to make that decision or do we just wait until Dallas comes 303 00:25:24,840 --> 00:25:27,680 out of the room to tell us what that number will be? 304 00:25:27,680 --> 00:25:31,160 I believe we just reference what Dallas publishes. 305 00:25:31,160 --> 00:25:32,160 Okay. 306 00:25:32,160 --> 00:25:33,160 Thank you. 307 00:25:33,160 --> 00:25:34,160 Thank you, Doug. 308 00:25:34,160 --> 00:25:35,160 Okay. 309 00:25:35,160 --> 00:25:36,160 Follow up. 310 00:25:36,160 --> 00:25:37,160 Thank you. 311 00:25:37,160 --> 00:25:38,160 Yeah. 312 00:25:38,160 --> 00:25:47,120 So on the opportunity pass-through rates, is that 96 cents or 85% of Dallas wholesale, 313 00:25:47,120 --> 00:25:56,440 is that delivered water or is that water just in situ in the lake, in the reservoir? 314 00:25:56,440 --> 00:26:05,160 Shorter than that, good morning, PV, Stephen Gage, General Manager of Water Utilities. 315 00:26:05,160 --> 00:26:08,880 They have their own intake on Lake Lewisville, so that's just the raw water that they pull 316 00:26:08,880 --> 00:26:14,720 from it and they have their own meter and we have a system where we can verify the draw. 317 00:26:14,720 --> 00:26:18,520 And then follow up question on the treated portion there, I'm assuming that's a per 318 00:26:18,520 --> 00:26:19,520 thousand gallon? 319 00:26:19,520 --> 00:26:24,680 Per thousand gallons delivered and that's to the customers they have at City of Crum 320 00:26:24,680 --> 00:26:25,680 and Sanger. 321 00:26:25,680 --> 00:26:33,120 And so they purchase the water from us and deliver to Crum and Sanger. 322 00:26:33,120 --> 00:26:36,400 But it goes through some kind of wholesale facility, like they have tanks and pumps? 323 00:26:36,400 --> 00:26:39,100 They actually have metered connections. 324 00:26:39,100 --> 00:26:45,560 There's one on the, I guess the border of Crum and then over on Milam and the 35 is 325 00:26:45,560 --> 00:26:48,000 the metering connection for Sanger. 326 00:26:48,000 --> 00:26:53,140 And so that's the point of delivery for those two wholesale connections. 327 00:26:53,140 --> 00:26:58,560 In this big jump, I believe we, I remember a year or so ago you all were doing a wholesale 328 00:26:58,560 --> 00:26:59,560 rate study. 329 00:26:59,560 --> 00:27:00,560 Is that the result of that? 330 00:27:00,560 --> 00:27:01,560 Yeah, and this is the result of that. 331 00:27:01,560 --> 00:27:02,560 We hadn't raised the rate. 332 00:27:02,560 --> 00:27:07,920 I mean, last year we did a modest increase based off of CPI. 333 00:27:07,920 --> 00:27:13,400 And we did the rate study and it demonstrated that we were woefully undercharging for treated 334 00:27:13,400 --> 00:27:14,400 water. 335 00:27:14,400 --> 00:27:15,400 Okay. 336 00:27:15,400 --> 00:27:16,400 Thank you. 337 00:27:16,400 --> 00:27:17,400 All right. 338 00:27:17,400 --> 00:27:18,400 Thanks. 339 00:27:18,400 --> 00:27:28,440 Okay. 340 00:27:28,440 --> 00:27:42,040 Meter fees and meter relocation fees, an increase of 3% and a 3% increase on fire hydrant installations. 341 00:27:42,040 --> 00:27:48,440 So this is a chart I believe that we had shown last time, just giving a comparison of where 342 00:27:48,440 --> 00:27:55,000 Denton's rates currently are and where they will be with the proposed increases. 343 00:27:55,000 --> 00:28:02,200 Keep in mind these other comparison cities have not finished their budget process and 344 00:28:02,200 --> 00:28:11,440 so it is assumed that some of their rates would increase as well. 345 00:28:11,440 --> 00:28:18,720 So not much of a change on the residential proposed in relation to the comparison cities 346 00:28:18,720 --> 00:28:21,520 where we are currently on commercial rates. 347 00:28:21,520 --> 00:28:31,160 And this does include that blue bar is both water and wastewater and where we would be 348 00:28:31,160 --> 00:28:40,000 with the proposed rates, which is essentially in line with Frisco, Plano, and McKinney. 349 00:28:40,000 --> 00:28:45,100 And then an overview of the five-year capital plan, which again, you have the backup with 350 00:28:45,100 --> 00:28:47,000 the specific projects. 351 00:28:47,000 --> 00:28:57,240 But 94.9 million in fiscal year 2026, of which we anticipate 37.9 million to be funded with 352 00:28:57,240 --> 00:29:04,120 WIFIA and 55.6 million, a combination of CEOs and the Texas Water Development Board, and 353 00:29:04,120 --> 00:29:07,440 then 1.3 million in revenue funding. 354 00:29:07,440 --> 00:29:11,960 Any questions? 355 00:29:11,960 --> 00:29:21,720 >> My question maybe -- let me go ahead and go to the floor here, is anybody else -- no? 356 00:29:21,720 --> 00:29:28,320 So my question, this is just a general knowledge deal, are you seeing the requests for hydrants 357 00:29:28,320 --> 00:29:34,840 and meters going down at this point? 358 00:29:34,840 --> 00:29:42,820 >> So development right now in Denton is remaining the same as far as you can project? 359 00:29:42,820 --> 00:29:43,820 >> Very active. 360 00:29:43,820 --> 00:29:51,280 We actually did -- we did some analysis recently when we were looking at the impact fees, and 361 00:29:51,280 --> 00:29:57,140 we can show that we have grown much more rapidly than we had anticipated. 362 00:29:57,140 --> 00:30:02,320 You can see a little dip during the pandemic, where we slowed down a little bit, but we're 363 00:30:02,320 --> 00:30:03,320 on track to -- 364 00:30:03,320 --> 00:30:05,200 >> But nothing now? 365 00:30:05,200 --> 00:30:06,200 >> Nothing now. 366 00:30:06,200 --> 00:30:10,040 We're not -- we're really not seeing any lag in development at all right now. 367 00:30:10,040 --> 00:30:11,040 >> Okay. 368 00:30:11,040 --> 00:30:12,040 All right. 369 00:30:12,040 --> 00:30:13,040 Thanks. 370 00:30:13,040 --> 00:30:14,040 >> You're welcome. 371 00:30:14,040 --> 00:30:15,040 >> Just curious. 372 00:30:15,040 --> 00:30:16,040 All right. 373 00:30:16,040 --> 00:30:22,240 If there aren't any more questions, entertain a motion to approve this item. 374 00:30:22,240 --> 00:30:23,240 Any other motion? 375 00:30:23,240 --> 00:30:24,240 >> Second. 376 00:30:24,240 --> 00:30:25,360 >> We have a second. 377 00:30:25,360 --> 00:30:34,200 You know the two guys are going to have to participate here. 378 00:30:34,200 --> 00:30:36,200 All those in favor, please say aye. 379 00:30:36,200 --> 00:30:37,200 >> Aye. 380 00:30:37,200 --> 00:30:38,200 >> Thank you. 381 00:30:38,200 --> 00:30:39,200 It's unanimous votes. 382 00:30:39,200 --> 00:30:40,200 All right. 383 00:30:40,200 --> 00:30:46,200 Moving on to item F, consider approval of the electric fund. 384 00:30:46,200 --> 00:30:50,720 I want to waste water, I'm sorry. 385 00:30:50,720 --> 00:31:00,980 Water, waste water, okay. 386 00:31:00,980 --> 00:31:02,840 >> Okay. 387 00:31:02,840 --> 00:31:04,840 Waste water fund. 388 00:31:04,840 --> 00:31:16,040 So for fiscal year 2526, we are proposing revenue of 44.5 million and also an increase 389 00:31:16,040 --> 00:31:22,440 of 11%, which we'll get into in the future slides. 390 00:31:22,440 --> 00:31:29,360 Drainage, a budget of 5.8 million, which is a 3.6% increase over the 2025 budget, and 391 00:31:29,360 --> 00:31:32,400 no proposed rate increase for drainage. 392 00:31:32,400 --> 00:31:36,440 We have kicked off a cost of service study as we talked about at the last meeting with 393 00:31:36,440 --> 00:31:42,680 Raftelis on June 27th, and so the intent is to bring forward after the conclusion of that 394 00:31:42,680 --> 00:31:50,800 cost of service proposed rates for drainage in the 2027 budget. 395 00:31:50,800 --> 00:31:57,680 Expense projections for waste water, 44.1 million, drainage, 7.1 million, and all vehicle 396 00:31:57,680 --> 00:32:01,480 replacements are budgeted to be revenue funded. 397 00:32:01,480 --> 00:32:08,960 So taking a look at the waste water five-year forecast proposed for fiscal year 2026, as 398 00:32:08,960 --> 00:32:19,080 I mentioned, 44.5 million revenue, 44.1 million in total expenditures with a change in fund 399 00:32:19,080 --> 00:32:31,400 balance of 377,000, an 11% rate increase on residential and an 11% rate increase on commercial. 400 00:32:31,400 --> 00:32:38,920 Taking a look at drainage and waste water, drainage is a part of the waste water fund, 401 00:32:38,920 --> 00:32:43,680 but we've broken the two out just so that you can see each component individually. 402 00:32:43,680 --> 00:32:53,380 So for drainage, 5.8 million in revenue and 7.1 million in expense. 403 00:32:53,380 --> 00:32:58,840 The reason for this, as we had talked about, was in fiscal year 2024, typically at the 404 00:32:58,840 --> 00:33:07,320 end of the year, we move money into a capital account for drainage to complete channel repairs. 405 00:33:07,320 --> 00:33:13,020 That transfer didn't occur, and so that funding you can see, their fund balance increased 406 00:33:13,020 --> 00:33:19,480 from a million to 2.3, so what we're doing is budgeting in 2026 to move that funding 407 00:33:19,480 --> 00:33:28,640 back into or into the channel rehab account so that it can be utilized, and it returns 408 00:33:28,640 --> 00:33:34,000 the fund balance to the target of a million dollars. 409 00:33:34,000 --> 00:33:39,360 So this is the waste water and drainage five-year forecast with those two combined. 410 00:33:39,360 --> 00:33:51,080 So 50.4 million in proposed revenue, 51.3 million in expense, and a net use of reserve 411 00:33:51,080 --> 00:33:57,000 of 935,000, but again, that's the drainage funding that we're moving out of fund balance 412 00:33:57,000 --> 00:34:02,040 into the job, into the channel rehab account. 413 00:34:02,040 --> 00:34:12,200 Okay, so preliminary rate changes proposed for the Wastewater Fund Residential Service, 414 00:34:12,200 --> 00:34:17,280 increasing 11% both in and outside of the city limits. 415 00:34:17,280 --> 00:34:26,200 It also applies to accounts that do not have City of Denton Water Service. 416 00:34:26,200 --> 00:34:32,760 Commercial Home Park Service, an 11% increase both inside and outside the limits. 417 00:34:32,760 --> 00:34:39,160 Commercial and Industrial, an 11% increase inside and outside the limits. 418 00:34:39,160 --> 00:34:44,240 Commercial and Industrial Metered and Submetered accounts, an 11% increase. 419 00:34:44,240 --> 00:34:52,520 Septage and Chemical Toilet Disposal and Restaurant and Food Establishments, an 11% increase. 420 00:34:52,520 --> 00:34:59,320 Oil of treated affluence, wholesale wastewater treatment, and the dino dirt products are 421 00:34:59,320 --> 00:35:04,040 also included in the 11% increase. 422 00:35:04,040 --> 00:35:08,760 These are the same charts as you saw in the previous presentation with water and wastewater 423 00:35:08,760 --> 00:35:12,280 combined. 424 00:35:12,280 --> 00:35:21,320 So essentially, remaining where we were relative to the comparative cities on residential, 425 00:35:21,320 --> 00:35:29,360 and for commercial increasing in alignment with Frisco, Plano, and McKinney. 426 00:35:29,360 --> 00:35:37,600 So taking a look at the Wastewater Five-Year Capital Plan for fiscal year 2026, 242.9 million, 427 00:35:37,600 --> 00:35:44,360 which is primarily made up of the plant improvements. 428 00:35:44,360 --> 00:35:54,960 We anticipate 98.2 million to be WIFIA funded and 141.8 million to be debt funded. 429 00:35:54,960 --> 00:35:58,520 And any questions? 430 00:35:58,520 --> 00:36:04,140 I have a question on the capital, the Pecan Creek, what we just approved earlier. 431 00:36:04,140 --> 00:36:08,880 Have those numbers been adjusted or because it looks like it's the higher number, and 432 00:36:08,880 --> 00:36:18,320 I realize engineering is in there. 433 00:36:18,320 --> 00:36:20,160 Jason's on that water utilities. 434 00:36:20,160 --> 00:36:24,440 The numbers you see are a little bit higher due to our internal staff being requested 435 00:36:24,440 --> 00:36:30,040 by the EPA to add an additional contingency percent due to the rising cost of construction. 436 00:36:30,040 --> 00:36:35,320 I believe it was around 20% extra that you're seeing here as opposed to what I showed earlier. 437 00:36:35,320 --> 00:36:36,320 Thank you. 438 00:36:36,320 --> 00:36:42,700 I'd rather plan for contingencies, too. 439 00:36:42,700 --> 00:36:47,580 Any other questions? 440 00:36:47,580 --> 00:36:52,160 So I think we're looking at over a billion dollars in capital improvements over the next 441 00:36:52,160 --> 00:36:53,160 five years. 442 00:36:53,160 --> 00:36:54,160 Yes. 443 00:36:54,160 --> 00:37:00,240 And we just saw the presentation on seeking the most cost-effective means to meet our 444 00:37:00,240 --> 00:37:05,040 growing wastewater demand and changing our plans from rehabbing the existing facility 445 00:37:05,040 --> 00:37:08,160 to building a new one, because it will save us $100 million. 446 00:37:08,160 --> 00:37:14,440 But still, $100 million savings still leaves us with a billion dollars. 447 00:37:14,440 --> 00:37:20,000 So an 11% increase is a substantial rate increase. 448 00:37:20,000 --> 00:37:24,040 What was the last year we had a rate increase? 449 00:37:24,040 --> 00:37:27,200 The rates did increase last year, 11% as well. 450 00:37:27,200 --> 00:37:34,800 So we're on this track to pay for all of this capital improvements that are needed. 451 00:37:34,800 --> 00:37:40,560 It is a -- you know, these are large numbers, but I feel like they're probably necessary. 452 00:37:40,560 --> 00:37:49,880 Yeah, and I'll just note -- let me go back to the forecast real quick. 453 00:37:49,880 --> 00:37:58,080 So as you'll notice, over the next four years, beyond fiscal year '26, those rate increases, 454 00:37:58,080 --> 00:38:05,480 the forecast rate increases do decline, and so we do anticipate, as we move forward, that 455 00:38:05,480 --> 00:38:12,960 we won't have rate increases that are as, you know, high as 11%. 456 00:38:12,960 --> 00:38:18,000 And so, you know, I just wanted to note that, that, you know, we do anticipate that that 457 00:38:18,000 --> 00:38:25,400 will return back down to, you know, more normal levels, just based on, you know, inflation 458 00:38:25,400 --> 00:38:35,260 and operating increases and things. 459 00:38:35,260 --> 00:38:38,260 Any further questions or discussion? 460 00:38:38,260 --> 00:38:49,480 We have a motion and a second. 461 00:38:49,480 --> 00:38:51,200 All in favor, please say aye. 462 00:38:51,200 --> 00:38:52,200 Aye. 463 00:38:52,200 --> 00:38:54,260 The motion carries unanimously. 464 00:38:54,260 --> 00:38:59,880 The next item on the agenda is item F, consider recommending approval of the electric fund 465 00:38:59,880 --> 00:39:04,960 for fiscal year '25, '26. 466 00:39:04,960 --> 00:39:08,560 Okay. 467 00:39:08,560 --> 00:39:17,040 So jumping into electric, for fiscal year 2026, we're proposing a 34.2% increase as 468 00:39:17,040 --> 00:39:21,320 a -- compared to the '25 budget. 469 00:39:21,320 --> 00:39:26,720 As you'll see, a lot of that is purchase power, in fact, all of it is a purchase power. 470 00:39:26,720 --> 00:39:33,680 I do want to note that staff is running an updated purchase power forecast, and so these 471 00:39:33,680 --> 00:39:40,760 numbers are based on a forecast that was produced, I believe, in March, but we're working, you 472 00:39:40,760 --> 00:39:46,720 know, just as the summer has evolved, you know, want to update that forecast. 473 00:39:46,720 --> 00:39:52,960 If that forecast is updated, we'll bring it back to you, just so that you're able to review 474 00:39:52,960 --> 00:39:58,000 it and provide an updated recommendation to counsel before budget adoption. 475 00:39:58,000 --> 00:40:01,440 So I just wanted to note that. 476 00:40:01,440 --> 00:40:07,320 There is no base rate increase proposed for DME in fiscal year '26. 477 00:40:07,320 --> 00:40:13,080 The ECA and TCRF will adjust as they have been adjusting the ECA on a quarterly basis 478 00:40:13,080 --> 00:40:15,640 and the TCRF annually. 479 00:40:15,640 --> 00:40:21,400 We talked a little bit about just the implementation of the ECA large load, which we think will 480 00:40:21,400 --> 00:40:25,800 strengthen the fund's financials by having that reserve target. 481 00:40:25,800 --> 00:40:35,280 Revenue projections of $526.6 million and expense projections of $509.5 million. 482 00:40:35,280 --> 00:40:42,060 Through the zero-based budgeting process, DME was also able to identify $3.3 million 483 00:40:42,060 --> 00:40:48,200 reductions, one being the winter and summer outage insurance. 484 00:40:48,200 --> 00:40:54,600 And we just want to note that we still have contingency funds available for, you know, 485 00:40:54,600 --> 00:40:58,520 any unexpected outage. 486 00:40:58,520 --> 00:41:06,560 The campus expansion, revenue funding, the design piece of that, which reduced the debt 487 00:41:06,560 --> 00:41:14,240 service by almost $1 million, and then reducing the focused advocacy contract of $72,000, 488 00:41:14,240 --> 00:41:17,360 which is a lobbying contract. 489 00:41:17,360 --> 00:41:25,880 Additionally, DME intends to hold six vacancies throughout 2026, which contributes to that 490 00:41:25,880 --> 00:41:30,080 $3.3 million in savings. 491 00:41:30,080 --> 00:41:40,240 So taking a look at the five-year forecast, again, $526.6 million in revenue, $509.5 million 492 00:41:40,240 --> 00:41:50,000 in expense for a net income of $17 million and no base rate increase. 493 00:41:50,000 --> 00:41:57,360 So looking at DME's five-year capital plan, we anticipate $63.9 million of new funding, 494 00:41:57,360 --> 00:42:05,880 of which $58.4 million would be debt funded, and $1.47 million would come from their operating 495 00:42:05,880 --> 00:42:10,120 and another $4 million in development contributions. 496 00:42:10,120 --> 00:42:17,600 Just as an overview, new residential and commercial, $8.3 million in projects, distribution, transformers 497 00:42:17,600 --> 00:42:24,760 and substations, $18.2 million, transmission lines and substations, $12.2 million, feeder 498 00:42:24,760 --> 00:42:31,060 extension and improvements, $11.1 million, meter improvements, $1.8 million, street lighting 499 00:42:31,060 --> 00:42:36,760 and power factor improvements of just under a million, technology and electric relocations 500 00:42:36,760 --> 00:42:42,640 of $9.9 million, and again, revenue funding vehicles of $1.47 million. 501 00:42:42,640 --> 00:42:53,960 We did want to mention, as we had mentioned to counsel previously, that DME is looking 502 00:42:53,960 --> 00:43:00,080 at some transmission overload projects which are pending ERCOT approval. 503 00:43:00,080 --> 00:43:06,900 If those were to move forward, we would come back to you looking for an operating and capital 504 00:43:06,900 --> 00:43:14,520 budget amendment for the debt service, and then as those assets are energized, you know, 505 00:43:14,520 --> 00:43:18,080 the offsetting revenue associated with those as well. 506 00:43:18,080 --> 00:43:23,680 So just wanted to make you aware that that may be coming back to you at some point in 507 00:43:23,680 --> 00:43:27,760 the future. 508 00:43:27,760 --> 00:43:33,640 So looking at the capital plan for fiscal year 2026, $63.9 million. 509 00:43:33,640 --> 00:43:38,880 As I mentioned, $58.4 million debt funded, $1.4 million revenue funded, and $4 million 510 00:43:38,880 --> 00:43:42,520 from developer contributions. 511 00:43:42,520 --> 00:43:47,960 And any questions? 512 00:43:47,960 --> 00:43:48,960 Ms. Parker? 513 00:43:48,960 --> 00:43:54,040 First one on slide two, the six positions that are being held open, what kinds are they 514 00:43:54,040 --> 00:43:57,440 if they're not going to impact reliability or service? 515 00:43:57,440 --> 00:44:00,680 Well, the short answer is no. 516 00:44:00,680 --> 00:44:06,440 Those are positions that were actually added for this fiscal year that we've not filled, 517 00:44:06,440 --> 00:44:08,840 and so we felt comfortable keeping them unfilled. 518 00:44:08,840 --> 00:44:14,960 Now, if there's a change, then we will come back to and discuss that with city manager's 519 00:44:14,960 --> 00:44:21,280 office. 520 00:44:21,280 --> 00:44:25,760 Now you've got a lot of transmission line considerations going on. 521 00:44:25,760 --> 00:44:27,880 So save those questions for later. 522 00:44:27,880 --> 00:44:31,520 I'm sure you'll have some work to do on that. 523 00:44:31,520 --> 00:44:33,160 Anybody else? 524 00:44:33,160 --> 00:44:34,160 Okay. 525 00:44:34,160 --> 00:44:35,160 All right. 526 00:44:35,160 --> 00:44:38,520 And we will entertain a motion to approve this item. 527 00:44:38,520 --> 00:44:41,120 We have a motion. 528 00:44:41,120 --> 00:44:42,120 Second. 529 00:44:42,120 --> 00:44:43,120 Second. 530 00:44:43,120 --> 00:44:44,120 Thank you. 531 00:44:44,120 --> 00:44:45,120 I know it. 532 00:44:45,120 --> 00:44:46,120 I know it well. 533 00:44:46,120 --> 00:44:47,120 You know, thanks. 534 00:44:47,120 --> 00:44:50,480 You do it for Deb and not for me. 535 00:44:50,480 --> 00:44:52,120 All those in favor, please say aye. 536 00:44:52,120 --> 00:44:53,120 Aye. 537 00:44:53,120 --> 00:44:54,120 Passes unanimously. 538 00:44:54,120 --> 00:45:01,120 Moving on to item G, which is customer service. 539 00:45:01,120 --> 00:45:09,920 So looking at the customer service fund for fiscal year 2026, we are proposing $11.8 million 540 00:45:09,920 --> 00:45:13,880 in revenue and $11.8 million in expense. 541 00:45:13,880 --> 00:45:19,480 As a reminder, the customer service fund is an internal service fund that is funded by 542 00:45:19,480 --> 00:45:28,700 the utilities in order to, you know, complete utility billing on their behalf. 543 00:45:28,700 --> 00:45:34,760 And as we talked about at the last meeting in regard to convenience fees, the city currently 544 00:45:34,760 --> 00:45:41,040 pays $1.3 million in credit card fees and e-check processing fees. 545 00:45:41,040 --> 00:45:48,640 The city currently doesn't have a dedicated fee to recover that cost. 546 00:45:48,640 --> 00:45:55,840 So we talked about a number of options, and we took the PUB's feedback. 547 00:45:55,840 --> 00:45:58,480 We presented the information to council. 548 00:45:58,480 --> 00:46:03,140 Council had very similar feedback to the board. 549 00:46:03,140 --> 00:46:09,880 And so staff is currently looking at a number of different options, whether it's a flat 550 00:46:09,880 --> 00:46:17,080 rate convenience fee, the options related to percentage-based fee, potentially a tiered 551 00:46:17,080 --> 00:46:22,440 system of some type for convenience fees, and also a fee that would be based on customer 552 00:46:22,440 --> 00:46:26,200 type, whether it's residential or commercial, et cetera. 553 00:46:26,200 --> 00:46:32,280 So just wanted to let you know that staff is still looking into these options. 554 00:46:32,280 --> 00:46:34,760 It's not as straightforward as just flipping a switch. 555 00:46:34,760 --> 00:46:40,880 There's a lot of back office adjustments that would need to be made, as well as work 556 00:46:40,880 --> 00:46:48,740 with the city's vendors to ensure that it's feasible to move forward. 557 00:46:48,740 --> 00:46:56,240 So our intent is to continue to put together options and bring that back to the board for 558 00:46:56,240 --> 00:47:00,860 your recommendation on the implementation of that fee. 559 00:47:00,860 --> 00:47:07,960 What it means for the budget, if I back up a slide, currently all the utilities transfer 560 00:47:07,960 --> 00:47:10,400 funds into the customer service fund. 561 00:47:10,400 --> 00:47:15,540 So the implementation of this fee, the effect of it, if it were to be implemented next year, 562 00:47:15,540 --> 00:47:25,160 would be that the transfers from the utilities would be lowered, and the utilities would 563 00:47:25,160 --> 00:47:27,640 see a savings in their funds. 564 00:47:27,640 --> 00:47:34,880 So from a customer service fund budget perspective, this $11.8 million in revenue and expense 565 00:47:34,880 --> 00:47:37,240 would be unchanged. 566 00:47:37,240 --> 00:47:40,800 It's just a matter of where that funding comes from. 567 00:47:40,800 --> 00:47:44,920 So I just want to let you know that the savings wouldn't be seen in the customer service fund, 568 00:47:44,920 --> 00:47:53,960 it's going to be seen in the utility funds, which then would help their funds. 569 00:47:53,960 --> 00:48:00,760 Could you go back to slide three, please? 570 00:48:00,760 --> 00:48:10,320 So the cost recovery options, those four points are directly related to how to address the 571 00:48:10,320 --> 00:48:11,720 $1.3 million. 572 00:48:11,720 --> 00:48:12,760 Correct. 573 00:48:12,760 --> 00:48:16,840 So the individuals, because they're using credit cards and that. 574 00:48:16,840 --> 00:48:23,480 So would those fees then be directly related just to them versus those that may come in 575 00:48:23,480 --> 00:48:25,120 and pay cash or a check? 576 00:48:25,120 --> 00:48:26,680 They will be? 577 00:48:26,680 --> 00:48:27,680 Correct. 578 00:48:27,680 --> 00:48:28,680 Okay. 579 00:48:28,680 --> 00:48:29,680 Thank you. 580 00:48:29,680 --> 00:48:30,680 Yes. 581 00:48:30,680 --> 00:48:31,680 Yes. 582 00:48:31,680 --> 00:48:32,680 Yeah. 583 00:48:32,680 --> 00:48:37,520 So what we're looking at, what we're looking at is a convenience fee for paying with a 584 00:48:37,520 --> 00:48:48,280 card online, as opposed to, you know, if you have a credit card, we're looking into it. 585 00:48:48,280 --> 00:48:49,400 So yeah. 586 00:48:49,400 --> 00:48:50,400 Yeah. 587 00:48:50,400 --> 00:48:53,120 Did you say, I'm sorry, did you say a debit card? 588 00:48:53,120 --> 00:48:57,480 This is for both of them, right? 589 00:48:57,480 --> 00:48:58,480 It is both. 590 00:48:58,480 --> 00:48:59,480 Okay. 591 00:48:59,480 --> 00:49:00,480 Yes. 592 00:49:00,480 --> 00:49:01,480 I'm sorry, I missed it. 593 00:49:01,480 --> 00:49:02,480 What is both then? 594 00:49:02,480 --> 00:49:03,480 Debit and credit. 595 00:49:03,480 --> 00:49:05,840 Oh, so this fee could be for the debit as well then? 596 00:49:05,840 --> 00:49:12,120 If it is processed online through the website, if you were to come in, any kind of point 597 00:49:12,120 --> 00:49:18,320 of sale, you know, you swipe your card in person, that would not be assessed the fee. 598 00:49:18,320 --> 00:49:19,320 Okay. 599 00:49:19,320 --> 00:49:24,640 But those are the kinds of details that we're trying to sort through in terms of, you know, 600 00:49:24,640 --> 00:49:32,360 what the card processors and the rules around each, you know, are, and bring those back 601 00:49:32,360 --> 00:49:33,360 to you. 602 00:49:33,360 --> 00:49:34,360 So cash and checks would be exempt. 603 00:49:34,360 --> 00:49:35,360 Yes. 604 00:49:35,360 --> 00:49:36,360 That's the word I wanted. 605 00:49:36,360 --> 00:49:37,360 Yes, yes. 606 00:49:37,360 --> 00:49:38,360 So it would be out there. 607 00:49:38,360 --> 00:49:39,360 All right. 608 00:49:39,360 --> 00:49:40,360 Thank you. 609 00:49:40,360 --> 00:49:44,240 And if I remember, if you're on a reoccurring, even though you're using a credit card, that 610 00:49:44,240 --> 00:49:46,080 fee will not be charged. 611 00:49:46,080 --> 00:49:47,120 That's correct. 612 00:49:47,120 --> 00:49:53,240 If we were to move forward with a convenience fee, those, we could not charge the convenience 613 00:49:53,240 --> 00:49:55,120 fee on those recurring payments. 614 00:49:55,120 --> 00:49:57,400 And that's because of the law around? 615 00:49:57,400 --> 00:49:58,400 That's correct. 616 00:49:58,400 --> 00:49:59,400 Okay. 617 00:49:59,400 --> 00:50:00,400 Yes. 618 00:50:00,400 --> 00:50:06,320 Now, there are some other types of fees, whether it's a service fee or a surcharge. 619 00:50:06,320 --> 00:50:11,920 There's different types of fees in the merchant service world. 620 00:50:11,920 --> 00:50:19,120 And so, you know, we're taking a holistic look, but really what we were looking, you 621 00:50:19,120 --> 00:50:23,600 know, focused on was just the convenience fee for those credit cards that were being 622 00:50:23,600 --> 00:50:24,600 processed online. 623 00:50:24,600 --> 00:50:25,600 Okay. 624 00:50:25,600 --> 00:50:26,600 Thank you. 625 00:50:26,600 --> 00:50:27,600 All right. 626 00:50:27,600 --> 00:50:28,600 Just wanted to comment. 627 00:50:28,600 --> 00:50:33,120 After our last meeting, I actually went home that day and changed from paying with my debit 628 00:50:33,120 --> 00:50:37,820 card to paying with an e-check because, you know, I had no idea that $10 a month of what 629 00:50:37,820 --> 00:50:41,040 I was paying the city was going to a credit card processor. 630 00:50:41,040 --> 00:50:47,800 So instead it's now it's five cents to a check processor and I do really strongly believe 631 00:50:47,800 --> 00:50:52,960 we want to encourage that movement because it's not, you know, it's still a two minute 632 00:50:52,960 --> 00:51:01,920 process to do an e-check versus a debit card and you set it up once and save 3% forever 633 00:51:01,920 --> 00:51:04,480 on, you know, in cost. 634 00:51:04,480 --> 00:51:05,480 Yeah. 635 00:51:05,480 --> 00:51:08,560 There are ways to do it, in other words. 636 00:51:08,560 --> 00:51:09,560 Yeah. 637 00:51:09,560 --> 00:51:10,560 Okay. 638 00:51:10,560 --> 00:51:11,560 Thank you. 639 00:51:11,560 --> 00:51:12,560 All right. 640 00:51:12,560 --> 00:51:13,560 I guess that's all. 641 00:51:13,560 --> 00:51:14,560 All right. 642 00:51:14,560 --> 00:51:18,560 Now I will entertain a motion to approve that item. 643 00:51:18,560 --> 00:51:24,800 We have a motion and a second, what a different combination. 644 00:51:24,800 --> 00:51:25,800 All right. 645 00:51:25,800 --> 00:51:26,800 Thank you. 646 00:51:26,800 --> 00:51:27,800 All those in favor, please say aye. 647 00:51:27,800 --> 00:51:28,800 Aye. 648 00:51:28,800 --> 00:51:29,800 It's unanimous. 649 00:51:29,800 --> 00:51:30,800 Thank you. 650 00:51:30,800 --> 00:51:35,720 Moving on to item H. 651 00:51:35,720 --> 00:51:42,960 Yeah, sorry, that is the end of the presentations. 652 00:51:42,960 --> 00:51:49,880 The remaining, I believe, four items relate to rates just as a separate item, but those 653 00:51:49,880 --> 00:51:51,720 were incorporated into the presentation. 654 00:51:51,720 --> 00:51:54,480 So if you have any questions, again, on those, yeah. 655 00:51:54,480 --> 00:51:55,480 Yep. 656 00:51:55,480 --> 00:51:56,480 Thank you. 657 00:51:56,480 --> 00:51:58,200 We covered it all in the previous presentations. 658 00:51:58,200 --> 00:52:02,440 And considering that we've approved them all, we kind of need to approve the rates now. 659 00:52:02,440 --> 00:52:03,440 Yeah. 660 00:52:03,440 --> 00:52:04,440 That would probably be good. 661 00:52:04,440 --> 00:52:05,440 All right. 662 00:52:05,440 --> 00:52:06,440 All right. 663 00:52:06,440 --> 00:52:10,640 So I'll entertain a motion for item H, water fund. 664 00:52:10,640 --> 00:52:11,640 Move approval. 665 00:52:11,640 --> 00:52:12,640 I have a motion. 666 00:52:12,640 --> 00:52:13,640 Second. 667 00:52:13,640 --> 00:52:14,640 Second. 668 00:52:14,640 --> 00:52:15,640 All those in favor, please say aye. 669 00:52:15,640 --> 00:52:16,640 Aye. 670 00:52:16,640 --> 00:52:17,640 Passes unanimously. 671 00:52:17,640 --> 00:52:22,560 Now entertain a motion for, to approve item I. 672 00:52:22,560 --> 00:52:23,560 So move. 673 00:52:23,560 --> 00:52:24,560 We have a motion. 674 00:52:24,560 --> 00:52:25,560 Second. 675 00:52:25,560 --> 00:52:26,560 All those in favor, please say aye. 676 00:52:26,560 --> 00:52:27,560 Aye. 677 00:52:27,560 --> 00:52:28,560 Passes unanimously. 678 00:52:28,560 --> 00:52:34,680 Is there a motion for item J to approve? 679 00:52:34,680 --> 00:52:37,080 So moved. 680 00:52:37,080 --> 00:52:38,080 Motion and a second. 681 00:52:38,080 --> 00:52:39,080 All those in favor, please say aye. 682 00:52:39,080 --> 00:52:40,080 Aye. 683 00:52:40,080 --> 00:52:41,080 Aye. 684 00:52:41,080 --> 00:52:42,080 Passes unanimously. 685 00:52:42,080 --> 00:52:44,400 Is there a motion to approve item K? 686 00:52:44,400 --> 00:52:45,400 So moved. 687 00:52:45,400 --> 00:52:46,400 Motion. 688 00:52:46,400 --> 00:52:47,400 Second. 689 00:52:47,400 --> 00:52:48,400 Second. 690 00:52:48,400 --> 00:52:49,720 All those in favor, please say aye. 691 00:52:49,720 --> 00:52:50,720 Aye. 692 00:52:50,720 --> 00:52:51,720 Passes unanimously. 693 00:52:51,720 --> 00:52:53,480 Is there a motion to approve item? 694 00:52:53,480 --> 00:52:54,480 Well, here we go. 695 00:52:54,480 --> 00:52:59,000 We're going to talk about item L. I was on a roll there, but management reports. 696 00:52:59,000 --> 00:53:00,000 Tony. 697 00:53:00,000 --> 00:53:05,200 So, Mr. Chair, members of the board, I don't really have anything, there's really no outstanding 698 00:53:05,200 --> 00:53:08,020 items for new business action. 699 00:53:08,020 --> 00:53:14,420 Your calendar, at least for future items, does seem pretty vacant here, but there is 700 00:53:14,420 --> 00:53:17,120 one item that we're working on that I want to give you a heads up. 701 00:53:17,120 --> 00:53:22,160 This is with customer service on our credit collection process and leak adjustment. 702 00:53:22,160 --> 00:53:23,160 That'll be coming to you. 703 00:53:23,160 --> 00:53:29,160 I just cannot recall at this point when in September, but it's one of those two meetings. 704 00:53:29,160 --> 00:53:30,360 And we're working through that now. 705 00:53:30,360 --> 00:53:33,820 I hope to bring that to you sometime in September. 706 00:53:33,820 --> 00:53:38,080 We'll be working with the other departments to see if there's other major items to give 707 00:53:38,080 --> 00:53:42,960 you a heads up in case any of you are planning to be out, and if there's a need for us to 708 00:53:42,960 --> 00:53:45,400 kind of work with your schedules, we're happy to do that. 709 00:53:45,400 --> 00:53:49,000 So with that, if there's anything else that you need, happy to go through that. 710 00:53:49,000 --> 00:53:51,200 I was going to say new business items. 711 00:53:51,200 --> 00:53:52,680 Mr. Rayner, do you have anything? 712 00:53:52,680 --> 00:53:53,680 I knew it was coming. 713 00:53:53,680 --> 00:54:01,400 I was just curious in the paper, is it Love Valley with the sewer? 714 00:54:01,400 --> 00:54:02,400 Whatever the swamp. 715 00:54:02,400 --> 00:54:07,240 The package plant, how will that affect us in any way? 716 00:54:07,240 --> 00:54:10,240 Because it keeps coming in, the city council is involved with it, somebody. 717 00:54:10,240 --> 00:54:13,720 Mr. Kay, could you give us an insight, please? 718 00:54:13,720 --> 00:54:17,160 I think it's even good, probably just briefly maybe cover it, but very briefly, if that 719 00:54:17,160 --> 00:54:18,160 is possible. 720 00:54:18,160 --> 00:54:19,160 Oh, if it's permissible. 721 00:54:19,160 --> 00:54:20,720 Yeah, because it's not on the agenda. 722 00:54:20,720 --> 00:54:27,920 Really quickly, the city has filed its, well, the plant itself will affect the watershed, 723 00:54:27,920 --> 00:54:32,240 and so we are evaluating our options to protest. 724 00:54:32,240 --> 00:54:34,160 That's really high level. 725 00:54:34,160 --> 00:54:35,160 Thank you for the report. 726 00:54:35,160 --> 00:54:39,200 I just didn't know if there was anything we need to be concerned about with this. 727 00:54:39,200 --> 00:54:41,680 Well, maybe concerned, but nothing we're going to be able to do about it. 728 00:54:41,680 --> 00:54:42,680 We're tracking it. 729 00:54:42,680 --> 00:54:43,680 Tracking. 730 00:54:43,680 --> 00:54:44,680 Tracking. 731 00:54:44,680 --> 00:54:45,680 Bring something that's pertinent. 732 00:54:45,680 --> 00:54:46,680 Yes, sir. 733 00:54:46,680 --> 00:54:47,680 Okay, great. 734 00:54:47,680 --> 00:54:51,240 Read it, if you want to stay. 735 00:54:51,240 --> 00:54:55,080 Alright, anything else, if not, we stand adjourned.