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Board of County Commissioners Meeting Minutes - Final August 22, 2024 4) Commit to more frequent, periodic future reviews of the rate structure. 5) Incorporate long-term utility master plan assumptions into future rate studies. 5. BOARD COMMENTS/ QUESTIONS The Board discussed the rate study and recommendations in relation to the potential growth of new subdivisions/developments and commercial buildings with Mr. Burnham and Mr. Lieske and how that would affect the recommendations. Mr. Burnham noted that one of the forecast's assumptions was based on historical growth. It was assumed there would be about 1,250 new equivalent residential units each year on the water side and, 1,350 new units on the sewer side, considering the gradual transition from septic to sewer over time. The forecast factored in a little over 2% growth rate on sewer and almost 2% on water, which would lead to revenue growth. Further discussion was had regarding the grant funding for septic -to -sewer conversions. A significant amount of grant funding was available for this program, which would be factored into the process in more detail. It was important to note that grants did not cover the full cost, so the utility would need to cover additional expenses using other funding sources, as accounted for in the financial modeling. 6. PUBLIC COMMENTS Sebastian resident Jannet Perry asked why her utility bill was being processed in Birmingham, Alabama, instead of in Indian River County or Florida. Brian Beavers, Utilities Finance Manager, explained that banks have consolidated into regional areas and use lockbox processing, where paper checks are processed at a central location. Mr. Beavers understood the preference for keeping the transactions in Florida. Bob Gallagher, a resident of Oak Harbor, stated he had moved to Indian River County from South Florida eight years ago. He was surprised that his water bill in Indian River County was lower than in Miami -Dade County. However, after learning that the bill was monthly instead of quarterly, he discovered that the overall cost was higher. This made him question the efficiency of the water and waste utility operation in Indian River County. Judy Orcutt, President of the Clean Water Coalition (CWC), expressed concern about the study's lack of a significant plan or transmission expansion process. She stated that the current rate increase was simply catching the County up. She appreciated the promise of an integrated master plan and a review of the rates. She worried that the need for rate increases might be even greater a year from now, particularly as the St. Johns River Water Management District had indicated that groundwater was being depleted. She also questioned whether there had been any discussion about "toilet to tap" as a potential water source. Ms. Orcutt highlighted the Indian River County Florida Page 3