Leitchfield Utilities Commission approves amended 2025 budget and adopts proposed 2026–27 budget

The Leitchfield Utilities Commission approved an amended utilities budget for the current fiscal year and adopted a proposed budget for 2026–27 at its May 21, 2025 meeting.

The chair presented a projected cash balance of $12,036,006.22 for June 30, 2025 and summarized revenue and expenditure line items across water, sewer, gas, grant income and capital improvements. After discussion, Mr. Blaine moved to amend the current‑year budget to the presented figures; Mr. Barris seconded and the motion carried by voice vote.

During discussion the chair said sewer sales “were much lower than originally projected” after the withdrawal of an industrial sewer user, a condition commissioners said increased per‑unit expense even while some grant income helped cover design work. The chair emphasized the need to continue conservative budgeting and to pursue funding for outstanding capital work.

The commission then reviewed the proposed budget ordinance for fiscal 2026–27, including projected carryforward and line‑item projections for water, sewer, gas, grant income and capital improvements. A motion to approve the proposed 2026–27 budget ordinance was seconded by Mr. Blaine and approved by voice vote.

Commissioners were urged to review the 2027 capital improvements list included in the packet with the finance officer and the superintendent as planning continues. The meeting record contains voice‑vote approvals for routine agenda items including the May 7 meeting minutes and the bill list.

Actions and next steps noted during the meeting included staff follow‑up to secure design and funding for a wastewater treatment plant update and continued review of capital projects. The commission also scheduled a site visit to the raw water intake after the June 18 meeting.