Utility finance report: water sales slightly above budget; '26 capital budget set at $84M, five‑year CIP $486M
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Summary
The Cobb County Merit Water Authority and utility finance staff reported water sales above budget, higher gas prices, an extended Wansley 9 outage, an $84 million '26 capital budget and a five‑year CIP totaling $486 million.
Board members received financial and planning updates covering water sales, fuel costs, plant outages and capital planning.
Mr. Chalfont, presenting the Cobb County Merit Water Authority report, said water sales averaged 79,000,000 gallons per day compared with a budget of 78,000,000 and that water sales revenue totaled $8,800,000, “We’ve exceeded the budget by $246,000,” he said. Chalfont also summarized the planning committee’s capital recommendations, listing 48 planned AR&R projects in 2026 and presenting a $84,000,000 capital budget for 2026 with a five‑year capital improvement plan totaling $486,000,000.
Bettina, delivering the finance presentation, said increased fuel pricing is affecting power costs and noted the October–November uptick in natural gas spot prices; she reported the actual calendar year‑to‑date cost per kilowatt hour is 6.9¢ versus a budgeted 7.1¢. Bettina also reported excess reserves of $33,400,000 and explained year‑to‑year rollovers of encumbrances affected reported margins.
Bettina warned the Wansley 9 outage had been extended and said operational delays at that plant will affect near‑term supply and cost planning.
Next steps: the board will use the planning committee’s guidance in finalizing FY26 budget recommendations that it has forwarded to the city council for approval.