Please note: This is an unofficial summary provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to represent the official board meeting minutes.
The TWSD board met Tuesday evening at the Lodge, with Chairman Otis Price, Vice Chair Caleb Flora, Treasurer Josh McCurdy, and Director Derenda Robb present. Director JJ Duckett was absent. The meeting wrapped up in under 40 minutes, but a lot of ground was covered.
Water Production & That 78% Number
In January, the plant produced about 4.8 million gallons of water, but only just over 1 million gallons were sold. That puts water loss at 78% and the office and field crew continues to track water loss closely.
The recent snowstorm and power outages exposed some weak spots in our emergency readiness. Chairman Price and Fire Chief McWilliams are now working on a formal Emergency Preparedness Plan so we’re better positioned next time. Backup pumps are being added (Tank 4 is done; Tank 2’s is on the way).
Boil Order & Notificatons
We’re still waiting on lab results from two separate tests, so the precautionary boil order remains in place.
When boil orders go out, they’re posted on Facebook, our website mailing list, our website front page banner, at the office, and on the community bulletin boards. And recently, the staff called residents one by one if their phone number was available. This round of phone calls took about three hours. The takeaway? If you’re a full-time resident, please be sure the office has your email address. Email notifications would make things much faster.
We are looking at revamping our billing practices, and the office is encouraging everyone to sign up for email billing. Call the office to enable billing by email.
Improving Communication with the Field Crew
The board approved the purchase of two Starlink Mini systems for the water crew. This came after a propane leak was reported recently and staff were out of radio range. The first year will cost about $1,800, including equipment and service. All directors voted in favor.
Grant Applications Moving Forward
The board adopted Resolution 2025/2026-002, authorizing two grant applications through the Colonias Infrastructure Board. The first grant request is for $120,000 to upgrade the dumpster transfer station. That would mean:
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More dumpsters
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Proper fencing and signage
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Possibly hiring an attendant
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Better sanitation overall
The second grant, for $50,000, would upgrade fencing at the water plant to meet Homeland Security standards (a requirement from the recent Sanitary Survey). Both grants require a 10% loan (at 0% interest) and a 10% match, which can be partially covered by District labor and equipment time.
Public Questions
There were several questions from the audience:
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Overflow at the plant well? I&C was onsite reviewing the SCADA system and is preparing proposals to correct it.
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How is water loss calculated? Gallons Produced minus Gallons Sold.
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Could satellite leak detection be used again? Chairman Price has contacted Asterra to see whether updated technology might help.
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Trash costs? About $110,000 last year overall. Costs fluctuate by the seasons.
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Sanitary Survey fines? The District is working with NMED, and fines are expected to be reduced as corrective work is completed.
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Former board members on bank accounts? Only former Chairman Cruey remains listed on the checking account, and paperwork has been submitted for removal.
Final Notes
Payroll is now being handled in-house. The new QuickBooks system transferred data successfully. And again -please sign up for email notifications by subscribing to our email list at timberonwater.com.
The meeting adjourned at 5:39 PM.