LAKENGREN WATER AUTHORITY

24 Lakengren Drive, Eaton, Ohio 45320

Phone: 937-456-4455    Fax: 937-456-7257

THE STATE OF THE

 LAKENGREN WATER AUTHORITY

 MARCH 2011

 The Lakengren Water Authority (LWA) is in good shape.

 Our current operating expenses are within our budget.  However, expenses in replacement parts, maintenance, and costs for both treatment plant operations continue to rise.  This has not placed an extreme burden on the LWA financially. 

 The LWA’s Emergency Reserve Fund should be sufficient to cover foreseeable short-term requirements at this time, but 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 2011.

 While there is no way to prevent future rate increases, the LWA Board of Trustees (BOT) will continue its efforts to hold rates at current levels in these tough economic times.

 During the 2011 budget preparation cycle, the LWA initiated use of a more formalized capital improvements planning process. The process uses projections of water and sewer revenues and operating expenses to estimate the funding available for undertaking needed capital projects and maintaining emergency reserves over the next five years. Based on this analysis, this year the BOT decided to begin accumulating funds for rebuilding Well #2 in 2014. The LWA Capital Improvements Program will be updated annually to reflect changes in our fiscal situation and community needs. Later this year, as part of the 2012 budget preparation cycle, the LWA will hold a community meeting to discuss our future plans.

 WATER METER PROJECT

 The water meter radio read project is almost complete. 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. All necessary meters and parts have been purchased. 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 would construct an underground leachate main in road right-of-ways from the landfill to an LWA manhole where it would enter the Lakengren sewer system for transport to the wastewater treatment plant. In December, 2010 the Village of Camden filed a lawsuit against the Preble County Commissioners over the leachate project. As a result, all activity on the leachate project has been halted until further notice.

 The LWA continues to have some inflow and infiltration concerns in the wastewater area.  The manhole repair project has progressed slowly in recent years. In 2011 the LWA intends to rehabilitate 22 manholes.  Our wastewater operators will continue to search for foundation drains, sump pumps, and 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 the grinder pump system. 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 water distribution system continues to produce excellent water and the Water Treatment Plant is working well.

 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.  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, rriga@lakengrenh2o.org 

Terry Parks, Secretary, mowinman158@aol.com

Paul Reed, Treasurer, preed4@woh.rr.com