PUBLIC NOTICE Mayor & City Council Called Meeting 4pm Thursday, November 14, 2024 IN COUNCIL CHAMBERS SPARTA MAYOR & COUNCIL NO WEAPONS ALLOWED IN CHAMBERS!!! AGENDA 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Presentation by Georgia Rural Water's Bill Powell & City Engineer Jerry Hood regarding Water & Sewer Rates 4. Adjournment City of Sparta Mayor & Council "Called" Meeting 4PMThursday, November 14, 2024 Elected officials present were. Mayor Allen Haywood and Councilman Tom Roberts. Mayor ProTem Rav Yisrael, Councilmembers Brandon Nolley, and Sandra Sherrod were not present. City Clerk Virginia Webb was present. Attorney. John Hitchcock was not present. The meeting was called to order by Mayor R. Allen Haywood at 41 PM. He stated that the meeting would bei informational and no voting would be allowed due to the failure ofhaving a Presentation By Georgia Rural Water's Bill Powell & City EngineerJerry Hood Regarding quorum ofr members present. Water & Sewer Bill Powell was on hand from the Georgia Rural Water Association (GRWA) and he outlined the necessity for updated rates, citing that the current fee structures have not been revised since 2013. He emphasized that larger users, such as the state prison, need to be charged equitably in The proposed revenue adjustments include an increase in base charges and consumption rates to support operating costs, debt, and future repairs. The total projected budget for 2024 is $3.4 million, which breaks down to $1.2 million for water and $1.67: million for sewer. The plan includes increasing the base charges for water and sewer: from $28.83 to $51 over a five-year Current project financing includes $2.7: million for sewer improvements and $4.1 million for water, with 97% ofthe principal being forgiven through the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA). Proposed future GEFA financing is anticipated to be near $8 million in 2027, with 50% principal forgiveness earmarked for ongoing upgrades. The current infrastructure debt obligation is approximately $500,000 annually, which is expected to rise with new loan rates Following recommendations from EMI, the proposed rate increases are essential to qualify for additional funding from GEFA. The goal is to achieve revenue sustainability, ensuring there: is The long-term objectives include establishing rate stabilization and reserves, along with implementing phased infrastructure improvements to enhance the efficiency oft the water and accordance with updated residential equivalent connections. period. projected at 3.25%. sufficient cash flow to cover debt obligations and system maintenance. sewer systems. Future capital needs highlight the requirement for a new 500,000-gallon backup A vote is scheduled to finalize and approve the new: rates in December. The updated budget and rate analysis will be submitted to support future loan applications. Additionally, collaboration with GRWA and EMI will continue to ensure both financial and operational sustainability. water tank to improve resilience. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 5pm.