Issues, Progress, Goals

By Kathy M. Otermat

Below I've described the Issues I discovered once in office in December 2010, accomplishments and progress made while in office and issues facing GDPUD in the future.

THE PROGRESS WE'VE MADE IN THE LAST 21 MONTHS:
- Changed meetings from morning to evening to allow more customers to attend.
- Completed numerous board policies, now reviewing a draft of Accounting & Financial Procedures.
- Approved a re-design for the new ALT plant with anticipated savings of approx.. $1M in construction costs and annual energy savings of $15K.
- Applied for an $8M zero interest loan over 20 years for the ALT plant as opposed to the $5M USDA 4.5% 40 year loan; saving millions over the course of the loan.
- Passed a balanced budget that follows our reserve guidelines with no deficits.
- Reduced staff through attrition as employees leave or retire.
- Implemented online billing and payment for customers
- Reduced late fees to reflect the actual cost of administration (now $12 vs. $25 for a $47 bill!).
- Established a Finance Committee who have provided hundreds of volunteer hours and expertise to study and make recommendations on budget and reserve issues.
- New meter reading system, saving meter reader time and automated upload to billing system.

THE ISSUES GDPUD IS CURRENTLY FACING:
- Auburn Lake Treatment plant construction and funding.
- Hiring a permanent GM (but we're getting close!).
- Develop and implement a Strategic Plan + this is one of the priorities for the new GM.
- Capital Improvement planning and funding including increasing storage and lowering water leakage and evaporation through piping + again a new GM project.
- Drought Planning and related revenue losses (note: I am working on the formation of a raw water committee and associated drought planning committee. submitting a proposal by 12/2104.

"We've stopped the overspending. With your vote I will be your voice to ensure strategic planning to invest in our infrastructure!"

Website: http://www.flushthewaste.com

Contact: otermat@mac.com (530) 409-6500