The Saint Joseph County Regional Water and Sewer District on Nov. 6 swore in two officials and approved routine administrative business, including minutes and vendor claims.

Brianna McCall and Brian Kress were both sworn in during the opening of the meeting; each answered the oath with "I do." The board clarified that Kress serves as an ex officio member who may participate in discussion but not vote, while McCall occupies a permanent seat and may vote.

The board approved minutes for Sept. 4 and Oct. 24 after a motion and second. The treasurer presented September financial statements showing balances in several district accounts (general: $14,442; Auton: $46,654 with $4,833 deposit in transit; Granger: $363,316 with $47,003.43 in transit; Carriage Hills: $206,395; Wyatt: $144,490 with $30,539 in transit). Claims covering two months were presented (totaling $232,320.31) and the board moved and approved the November claims.

Council discussion included how invoices tied to the IURC matter should be reimbursed: counsel said he could not accept payment directly from an outside party for ethical reasons and that the district should write checks and seek reimbursement from the RDC. Preliminary advisory expenditures through September were reported at about $76,000 across three advisers; counsel noted additional October invoices and commented that IURC-related legal costs (Jeremy Fedde and his group) "exceed 200,000."

Operational updates included notice that Granger Water removed an encroaching section of fence at the Phillips lift station and plans to reinstall it within the easement. The board also discussed one new customer near Wyatt, determined to be approximately 400 feet outside the district boundary and subject to the statutory process for inclusion if contested.

A motion to adjourn passed by voice vote and the meeting ended.