OWASA Board of Directors Meeting Summary for February 11

OWASA’s Board of Directors met virtually on Thursday, February 11, 2021, and considered an agenda that included the Affordability Program update.

The Board of Directors is currently meeting virtually due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Affordability Program

The Board approved OWASA’s Affordability Program update. In 2020, the program focused on engaging with the community and stakeholders regarding the temporary suspension of disconnections for non-payment, as well as encouraging water conservation and efficiency for water bill savings. The moratorium was implemented in March 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and remains in place.

Fiscal Year 2022 Budget Presentations: Operations

The Board received Fiscal Year 2022 budget presentations from operating department managers. The presentations on goals, opportunities, and challenges in each department are in advance of formal budget discussions to provide the Board with better insight into the implications rate decisions may have on OWASA’s operations.

Apprenticeship Program

The Board discussed the merits of implementing an apprenticeship program in the future. A key focus of the potential program would be on expanding career opportunities for underrepresented groups.

Next Meeting

The Board will hold its next meeting remotely on Thursday, February 28, 2021, via Microsoft Teams at 6 p.m.; a link will be provided here.

OWASA’s administrative office is closed to the public to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Customers in need of assistance can still contact OWASA from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday through Friday by calling (919) 968-4421, emailing customerinquiries@owasa.org, or using the chat function available in the bottom-right corner of the web page. Please allow for additional time for OWASA staff to respond during this time. We appreciate your patience.