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Public works reports steady water production, flags aging infrastructure and staffing gaps
Summary
Public Works staff reported 2024 service and production figures — 485 customers and roughly 34 million gallons produced — and outlined near‑term maintenance (tank recoating, disinfection upgrades) and workforce risks, including that roughly 65% of public works staff may be eligible to retire within five to six years.
Public Works staff delivered the department’s 2024 summary and near‑term plans at the Amelia County Board of Supervisors work session.
Public Works presenter said the county served 485 utility customers and produced just over 34,000,000 gallons of water in 2024, with treated wastewater close to 39,000,000 gallons. "We added about 6 new customers in 2024," the Public Works Director said, noting the wastewater increase of about 2,000,000 gallons was not attributable to those new customers.
The presenter outlined completed projects, including a PLC upgrade at the wastewater treatment plant and a completed lead and copper service inventory performed to meet Office of Drinking Water and EPA requirements. He said groundwater monitoring equipment is installed and that the office expects the first annual report after a year of data collection.
Looking ahead, the department listed capital priorities in the CIP — manhole and mainline lining and disinfection improvements — and scheduled tank maintenance for July 2025. The presenter explained that interior tank recoating requires taking a tank offline and that the next full interior work will likely be in the 2030s. He also flagged workforce risk: "Approximately 65% of the public work staff would be eligible for retirement within the next 5 to 6 years," a concern that the department said will require succession planning and cross‑training.
County officials asked follow‑up questions about generator locations, vehicle replacement criteria and service life; the presenter said vehicle replacement decisions consider condition and use rather than age alone. No formal vote or policy change followed the presentation; the report will inform upcoming budget and CIP discussions.
