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Riviera Beach board approves short extension for US Water maintenance work
Summary
The Riviera Beach Utility Special District approved a limited extension of US Waterto complete maintenance projects within already‑budgeted funds; the motion passed 3‑2 after members debated staff capacity and remaining contract funds.
The Riviera Beach Utility Special District voted Tuesday to extend US Waterto provide maintenance services as needed while the city completes transition work and finalizes outstanding projects.
The motion, offered by a board member during the meeting, asked that US Watercontinue only for maintenance activities and operate within the funds previously approved by the board. Director Joshua Neiman told the board that day‑to‑day administrative and operations duties are now covered by city staff but that allowing US Water to remain for maintenance would help finish ongoing work more quickly.
“I do believe that it would be in the benefit to the city,” said Joshua Neiman, the utility district director, explaining that some tasks—such as underdrain cleaning and complex filter rework—have taken longer than originally estimated and could use contracted expertise to finish.
Board member Bruce Guyton urged caution about ending outside assistance prematurely. “ThereTherenothing more important than quality water,” Guyton said, arguing that retaining technical expertise while staff gains capacity was prudent.
Opponents warned against using contract funds simply to exhaust a budget. Chairperson Shirley Lanier said she did not have enough information at the meeting to approve an open‑ended continuation and emphasized accountability for remaining funds.
The clerk recorded a 3‑2 vote: Priscilla Davis Piner, Bruce Guyton and Board Member Spiritus voted yes; Vice Chair Cashamba Miller Anderson and Chair Shirley Lanier voted no. The board instructed staff to reconcile remaining contract dollars (estimates discussed in the meeting ranged from about $500,000 to $750,000) and to limit any extension to maintenance tasks covered within the approved amount.
US Water senior project manager Michael Miller said he would step back from daily site presence but remain engaged weekly to support the handoff. The board asked staff to return with a clearer accounting of what remains to be completed before any further contract decisions.
The boardaction is administrative: staff will manage the scope and timing of any continued US Water work under the existing appropriations and report back with reconciled contract balances and a recommended timeline.
