Martin County Water District approves routine bills, seeks assistance options for customers facing shutoffs

The Martin County Water District board on March 24 approved its treasurer's report, other financials and the bills list after staff said the district has enough cash to pay current obligations despite project-related negative available balances.

Chair (the meeting chair) opened the meeting and, after a finance presentation, a motion to approve the treasurer's report passed by voice vote. Staff said bills submitted totaled about $345,098 and that, after removing capital expenses, the bill-submitted payment was approximately $293,928.

Board members drilled into repair and maintenance spending, including large filter repairs itemized in January. The finance presenter noted repair/maintenance year-to-date and identified invoices from suppliers including United Rentals, Jones Oil and Buchanan Pump; staff confirmed most supplier accounts are current and that copies of canceled checks were provided on request.

Several directors raised affordability concerns after one member said the district lost roughly 50 customers in a year and that many customers may be suffering but ashamed to ask for help. That director urged the board to investigate federal or state assistance like those available for electric and gas customers. Chair tasked staff to compile information and post a clear “who to call” guide on the district website so customers can find help.

The board approved leak adjustments totaling about $22,144 for water and $6,119 for sanitation and voted to pay the bill list as presented.

The meeting closed routine financial business and moved on to project and operational items.