Finance Committee Meeting Minutes – Wednesday, November 15, 2024
For your consideration, please read the minutes from the Finance Committee Meeting held on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. in the Commission Meeting Room.
Finance Minutes 11-15-23 with Attachments
To read the minutes, please open or download the pdf from the link above, or you may see more below.
Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water & Sewer Commission
1703 Gloucester Street, Brunswick, GA 31520
Commission Meeting Room
Wednesday, November 15, 2023, at 3:00 PM
FINANCE COMMITTEE MINUTES
MEMBERS PRESENT:
Charles Cook, Acting Committee Chairman
Clayton Watson, Commissioner
Ben Turnipseed, Commission Chairman
Andrew Burroughs, Executive Director
ALSO PRESENT:
David Owens, Director of Finance
Frances Wilson, Accounting Manager
LaDonnah Roberts, Deputy Executive Director
Janice Meridith, Executive Commission Admin.
ABSENT:
Tripp Stephens, Committee Chairman
Acting Committee Chairman, Commissioner Cook called the meeting to order at 3:00 PM.
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
Commissioner Cook opened the Public Comment Period. There being no citizens that wished to address the Committee, Commissioner Cook closed the Public Comment Period.
APPROVAL
- Workers’ Compensation Insurance Renewal – Jeffrey Singletary / Jarrett Bridges
Mr. Bridges recalled for the Committee that two years ago, the JWSC switched from a thirteen-year relationship with The Zenith to National Liability & Fire for workers compensation insurance. The Zenith experienced significant losses during the 2021-2022 policy year, which led to the premiums from National Liability & Fire being more competitive during the 2022-2023 policy. At last year’s renewal, the JWSC experienced a 15.03% increase in workers’ compensation premium. For the current policy year, the workers compensation premium is $234,613. He explained that the experience mod has risen sharply as it is based upon a 24-month period that includes consecutive significant claims years. On a positive note, for the current policy year to date, total losses are at the lowest point since 2015-2016. Given the increase in experience mod for the Utility, Turner & Associates advised staff that it would be unlikely to receive more competitive pricing from a different carrier. National Liability & Fire provided a quote of $240,180 for the annual renewal ($5,567 above the current year premium). This equates to a 2.37% increase in workers compensation insurance premiums. Staff has reviewed the marketing analysis provided by Turner & Associates and recommends purchasing workers’ compensation insurance coverage for the 2024-2025 policy year with National Liability & Fire in the amount of $240,180.
Commissioner Watson made a motion seconded by Chairman Turnipseed that the Finance Committee recommend the full Commission approve the purchase of workers’ compensation insurance coverage with National Liability & Fire for policy year 2024-2025 in the amount of $240,180. Motion carried 3-0-0.
- Minutes from the October 18, 2023, Finance Committee Meeting
Commissioner Watson made a motion seconded by Commissioner Cook to approve the minutes from the October 18, 2023, Finance Committee Meeting. Motion carried 3-0-0.
- Christmas Gift Cards – D. Owens
Mr. Owens advised that the Brunswick-Glynn Joint Water and Sewer Commission has in past years given employees a Christmas gift card as an expression of appreciation and thanks. The cost of the cards is included in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget. The gift cards will be distributed on December 1, 2023, along with payroll. The staff of the JWSC recommends that the JWSC provide employees with a gift card in the amount of $100 to Walmart. The total number of cards would be 135 for a cost of $13,500.
Commissioner Watson made a motion seconded by Commissioner Cook that the Finance Committee recommend that the full Commission review and approve providing employees with a gift card in the amount of $100 to Walmart. The total number of cards would be 135 for a cost of $13,500. Motion carried 3-0-0.
- Contract Award – Dunbar WPCF Construction Materials Testing Services – A. Burroughs
Mr. Burroughs advised that the BGJWSC has an ongoing project to rehabilitate portions of the Dunbar Creek WPCF. As part of Change Order No. 3, the design-build contractor, BRW Construction, will be installing a third clarifier at the facility. BRW Construction currently subcontracts engineering services to Hussey Gay Bell for design services for the project. The design-build team is responsible for ensuring that constructed improvements meet the required performance specifications for the project. However, there are no clauses in the contract for special inspection services to be performed by a third party. Staff spoke with the design-build team concerning the need for third party inspection of the clarifier construction and installation. Proper construction is critical to the long-term success of the new clarifier. The design-build team reached out to Terracon Consultants, Inc. of Jacksonville to receive a quote for slab and soil testing services, concrete testing services, and auger cast pile installation inspections. The quote is for a budget of $34,190.00. This project is funded from the proceeds of the Series 2021 bond issuance.
Commissioner Watson made a motion seconded by Commissioner Cook that the Finance Committee recommend that the full Commission enter into a contract with a not-to-exceed budget of $34,190 with Terracon Consultants, Inc. for inspection and testing services for the clarifier construction at Dunbar Creek WPCF. Motion carried 3-0-0.
DISCUSSION
- Financial Statement Month End October 31, 2023 – F. Wilson
Mrs. Wilson presented the financial statement for the month ending October 31, 2023. She reviewed the Balance Sheet noting the Current Assets and Current Liabilities and briefed the Committee on the Combined Revenue Statement. The various Operating Revenues accounts were noted, and details on the Summary of Revenues and Summary of Expenses were highlighted. Mrs. Wilson briefly reviewed line items on the Cash Balances and the Project Report.
Commissioner Cook asked if there was any further business to discuss.
Commissioner Watson made a motion to adjourn the Finance Committee meeting.
There being no further business, Acting Committee Chairman, Commissioner Cook adjourned the meeting at 3:30 p.m.