THE STATE OF THE
LAKENGREN WATER AUTHORITY
FEBRUARY 2010
The Lakengren Water Authority (LWA) is in good shape.
Our current operating expenses are within our budget. Expenses in replacement parts, maintenance, and costs for both treatment plant operations continue to rise. However, this has not placed an extreme burden on the LWA financially.
The LWA’s emergency reserves remain the same, approximately $300,000, ($200,000+ in CD’s and $100,000+ in special reserve accounts for bonds on the new office building). While these amounts should be sufficient to cover foreseeable short-term requirements at this time, continually increasing costs suggest that we should look for ways to increase these reserves in the future.
NO RATE INCREASE THIS YEAR
There is no water or wastewater rate increase scheduled for fiscal year 2010.
While there is no way to prevent all future rate increases, the LWA Board of Trustees will continue its efforts to hold rates at current levels in these tough economic times.
NEW OFFICE PROJECT
During the past year the LWA and LPOA staffs have settled into their new offices. We continue to be very satisfied with the new building. The LWA BOT and the LPOA BOT have been holding their meetings in the building’s Board and Multi-Purpose rooms. Some LPOA committees, social clubs and other groups are also using these meeting rooms. If your group wishes to hold its meeting(s) in the new facility, call the LWA office at (937) 456-4455 to check on availability.
WATER METER PROJECT
The water meter radio read project is being phased in, as time and finances permit. By installing radio-read meters, the LWA will save man-hours by requiring less reading time per month. The meters can also be read in inclement weather, eliminating the need to estimate water charges in the future. The water meters are the LWA’s financial lifeline and accurate readings of water usage by our customers are essential. We have been able to make faster progress in completing installations than previously anticipated. The project is now scheduled for completion in 2011
WASTEWATER AREA
In January 2010 the LWA BOT and the Preble County Board of County Commissioners approved and signed an agreement for LWA’s treatment of leachate from the county landfill. Under the agreement the county will construct an underground leachate main in road right of ways from the landfill to an LWA manhole where it will enter the Lakengren sewer system for transport to the wastewater treatment plant The facility has the excess capacity to treat the leachate without negative impacts or major improvements. County payments to the LWA for treatment of the leachate are projected to add over $100,000 to annual sewer revenues. This increase in available funds should allow us to both strengthen our emergency reserve and undertake needed projects without a sewer rate increase for the foreseeable future
The LWA continues to have some inflow and infiltration concerns in the wastewater area. The manhole repair project continues every year and is progressing, albeit slowly. Our wastewater operators will continue to search for foundation drains, sump pumps, or rain gutters that are connected to the sewer system. This will be an ongoing project until every home is checked out.
If you believe that your house’s drains or sump pump might be attached to the sewer system, call the LWA office at (937) 456-4455. The LWA wastewater operators will check it out. The LWA will also make any changes to eliminate any attachment at no charge to the customer.
The LWA is continuing to inspect and rehabilitate grinder pump systems. The LWA wastewater operators will continue to inspect 1/3 of the grinder units each year. Replacing parts and upgrading of individual units will continue on a yearly basis until all are in good working order. LWA wastewater operators will continue to maintain the units on a rotating basis after that is accomplished. Painting of the control panels and pedestals will continue in the spring when the weather breaks. Replacement of aging grinder pump units will be done as needed.
WATER AREA
Our distribution system continues to produce excellent water and the Water Treatment Plant is working well.
The old treatment plant is a work area with a loft for storing equipment and replacement parts used in the distribution system. It has been turned into a valuable asset for the water operators as they do in-house maintenance work for the LWA.
ADMINISTRATION
As a political subdivision, the LWA is governed by ORC 6119. Abiding by Ohio’s “sunshine law,” the LWA Board of Trustees meets in open session every Friday morning at 9 AM and on Tuesdays as needed. LWA customers are invited to attend. If a customer has an issue with the LWA BOT and would like to meet and discuss that issue, please call the office at (937) 456-4455 between 8 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. If the morning sessions are not convenient, the BOT will be glad to meet with any customer in the evening.
The LWA has a website; it is www.lakengrenh2o.org. Announcements and important LWA information is located on the site.
Customers who have questions or concerns about this report should call the office at (937) 456-4455 or E-mail us at rriga@lakengrenh2o.org
As always the LWA BOT and its employees are working to provide the best possible water and wastewater services for the Lakengren community.
LWA Board of Trustees
Roger Riga, Chairman
Tom Pierce, Secretary
Paul Reed, Treasurer
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