Authority reports balanced fiscal year, warns of possible 3–5% rate increase

The Franklin Township Authority reported a closed fiscal year and a healthy cash position at its March 3 meeting, but staff warned commissioners to expect a potential 3–5% user-rate increase later this year.

Executive Director Joe said the authority "has just closed out our fiscal year ending May 31, 2025. Everything is in order. We are now balanced out to zero" and reported March revenue of $1,165,497.91 and year-to-date revenue of about $14.6 million. He said year-to-date expenditures total about $7.6 million and noted that roughly 50% of the budget has been spent while the fiscal year is about 75% complete, prompting an internal audit for outstanding bills.

The board discussed customer complaints after the authority migrated to a new finance system. Joe and Dr. Roach described a case-by-case waiver approach after some accounts were assessed late fees during the transition. "We weren't able to do it that way just straight across the board," Dr. Roach said, explaining a blanket clear would remove legitimate pre-existing penalties.

Joe told commissioners he is "anticipating a user rate increase this year again" and that last year's consultant recommended 5% while the board kept the increase at 3%; he said a 3–5% range is now being prepared and that he will present solid numbers for commissioner review and one-on-one briefings.

The authority also reported plans to strengthen bank wire security with multi-factor authentication and multi-person approval for transfers and to invest in server and workstation upgrades; insurer requirements are prompting cybersecurity training for the executive director and staff.

The meeting moved to other business after commissioners raised no additional questions. The board recessed the public meeting and entered executive session to discuss litigation matters.