2024 Annual Meeting Scheduled
As a member of the Hilltop Water Owners Association, you’re invited to participate in this year’s Annual General Meeting AGM) scheduled for Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 2:00pm. For members’ convenience and to encourage the highest possible turnout, this year’s AGM will be hosted via Zoom. An email invitation containing a Zoom link as well as a draft 2024. Budget will be emailed to all members the week of January 8th. Please mark your calendar to attend and participate in this integral part of our water association.
2024 Operating Budget
The HWOA board and our operator, Nick Kluge, have been working diligently on your behalf to provide safe, reliable drinking water to your home/business. Every year at the AGM is when we present, discuss and vote on the Operating Budget. Like many of our personal expenses, HWOA’s operating expenses have increased over the years yet we have not increased the Base Rate since 2008 when it changed from $660 per year to $700 per year. Our 2023 operating expenses surpassed 2023 income by nearly $2,000.
For 2024, the Board is recommending an annual Base Rate of $800 to cover our projected expenses.
The membership will vote at the AGM to finalize both the annual Base Rate (currently $700 per year) and usage rate (currently $2 per 1,000 gallons) for 2024.
Planning for the Future
A major focus for 2024 will be developing a comprehensive plan to address our water system’s aging infrastructure. The system upgrades completed in 2008 are now 16 years old and four years of debt repayment (approx $24,000/year) remain. Portions of the distribution system have not been updated since installed in the 1970s and these pipes and their failing connections are likely responsible for a significant portion of our water loss. For much of the year, both of our well pumps are working 24/7 to replenish the reservoir and keep up with demand. We need to ensure our equipment is maintained regularly and when needed, replaced proactively. Water pumped from well #2 requires arsenic treatment prior to distribution. Our current treatment equipment is at capacity without adding additional tanks. In 2024, the Board will be exploring financing options for both the planning/engineering phase and the construction phase of these
projects. Per our ByLaws, any loans require a membership vote prior to acceptance. From plan to completion, this will be a long- term, multi-year process. More details about our plans will be discussed at the January 20 AGM so please plan to attend.
Pressure Relief Valve Reminder
If your water service connection is below 50’ elevation (hello Nugent Road members), your meter has a Pressure Relief Valve (PRV) to protect against occasional water pressure surges. It’s the property owners’ responsibility to test the PRV annually. Contact Nick for general questions about this.
Emergency Preparedness
With winter upon us, be sure your household and/or business is prepared for emergencies. In regards to water, the CDC recommends storing a minimum of three days worth of water for
your household - one gallon of water per person, per day.
https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/emergency/creating-storing-
emergency-water-supply.html Even under normal conditions, water service can experience interruptions due to unforeseen circumstances. Be prepared.
