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Jefferson County PUD outlines budget, $60M fiber push and AMI opt-out fee options
Summary
Jason Hunt of Jefferson County PUD told residents the utility is preparing its largest budget to date, highlighted $3,000,000 for a water-system rework and a $60,000,000 BEAM-funded fiber build, and said the board is weighing raising the AMI opt-out fee to better reflect actual truck-roll costs.
Jason Hunt, a Jefferson County PUD representative, told the Port Ludlow Village Council that the utility is in budget season and expects this year's budget to be its largest to date. "It is our big main event," he said, and invited residents to the Oct. 6 budget hearing and to review the draft posted on the utility website. He called attention to recent grant awards and capital work that are driving the larger budget.
Hunt listed several major projects. "We have $3,000,000 going toward funding of the coil water system," he said, and described a large broadband effort supported by BEAM funding that will run fiber down the Boca Bay corridor and into nearby corridors. He also said the utility has "secured $60,000,000 in fiber build" and is planning a 10-gig network designed for countywide capacity.
Hunt summarized the completed advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) rollout and the opt-out option the commission adopted. "AMI had, again, finished our program," he said, then explained the opt-out situation: the utility currently charges $5/month for a non-transmitting meter but the cost-of-service study by FCS "came up with $28.30 per month as the fee" required to cover monthly truck rolls, billing adjustments and staff time. He noted the new general manager proposed $15/month and that the board was still discussing a fair rate that would not unduly burden other customers.
Hunt encouraged residents to verify broadband availability on FCC maps and to register interest on the utility's broadband page to help prioritize buildouts. "You can register for broadband through PUD... and say, my house would be interested in the future if you build to this area," he said. He also advised residents how to challenge inaccurate provider claims on federal maps.
The utility did not adopt a new opt-out fee at the meeting; the board and staff will continue to consider the FCS study, the GM's $15 proposal and fairness to other customers. The budget hearing is scheduled Oct. 6, and Hunt invited residents to submit questions and attend.
