The Brown County Water Improvement District #1 finished the most recent fiscal year solidly in the black. Figures for Fiscal Year 2023/24, which ran from September 1, 2023 through August 31, 2024, were presented to the District’s Board of Directors at their monthly meeting on October 8. Finance Director Kay Silva reported that total revenues for the 2023/24 fiscal year were $4,828,236 with total expenses of $4,177,195, leaving a net operating margin of $651,041. The final margin figure is pending audit adjustments. According to District General Manager John Allen the operating margin was larger than expected because of revenues that were 8% higher than budget – because of water sales that were greater than projected – and expenses that were held 6% below budget.
In other business:
*** Bart Johnson of Painter/Johnson Associates presented a quote for the renewal of the District’s Blue Cross/Blue Shield health and dental insurance policies. The health insurance cost will increase by seven percent, while the dental insurance cost will decline by six percent. The Board voted to accept the quote and renew the policies, which will begin on December 1, 2024.
*** The Board discussed code violations on dock #7027 at McCartney Island. This dock has improper sewer facilities because the commode on the dock empties directly into the lake, according to District General Manager John Allen. An inspection in 2010 showed that the plumbing on the dock needed to be brought up to code, but no action has since been taken. The Board voted not to renew the lease of dock #7027 for the year 2025.
*** Steve Adams, General Manager of the Brookesmith Special Utilities District, requested an extension to their water purchase contract with the District. The current contract runs until the year 2051 for up to 700,000,000 gallons per year. The Brookesmith SUD has applied for a loan/grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for new water lines and meters in the Shamrock Shores area, and the USDA wants the contract to run through 2064. The Board pointed out that the Brookesmith SUD has exceeded its contracted amount of water purchased for the last four years in a row, and asked how many gallons they would need in the future if the contract is extended. Adams did not have that information, and said he would need to consult with the SUD’s engineers. The Board opted to table the request until that information is provided.
*** Finance Director Kay Silva presented a request to amend the District’s sick leave policy. Currently, an employee who retires with 20-years of experience with the District is eligible to be paid for up to 90 days of unused sick pay. Silva recommended a new policy that would increase the number of paid days for unused sick leave according to the number of years of employment with the District as such: 20 years of employment, 90 days; 25 years of employment, 120 days; 30 years of employment, 150 days; 35 years of employment, 180 days; 40 years of employment, all unused sick days, no limit. Director Brad Simpson asked Silva how much that is projected to cost the District. Silva did not have that information. The Board unanimously approved the new policy for sick leave reimbursement.
*** General Manager Allen reported that Lake Brownwood is now 100% full, due to recent rains. One year ago the lake was only 61.9%. The statewide average for Texas lakes is 72.7%.
*** Allen also announced that Finance Director Kay Silva will retire at the end of this year, after 35 years with the District. Her replacement will be Ann Bass.