By MONROE ROARK
Staff Writer

The Peachtree City Water and Sewer Authority expects to adopt a budget of slightly more than $2.5 million for the 2000 fiscal year when it convenes in September.

Based on projections presented at Monday night's regular meeting for August, the operating budget would see an increase of 8.76 percent, or $203,590. But current revenue projections for this year are ahead of original forecasts, and operating cash carryover for 2000 could approach $2 million.

The increase in operating budget is due mainly to higher costs for process chemicals both at the Flat Creek wastewater treatment plant and in WASA odor control operations, as well as an additional operator position approved by the board during the current fiscal year and a shared geographic information system/computer technician position with the city. Sludge disposal costs also have been underestimated for 1999, contributing to a higher figure in the new budget.

WASA general manager Larry Turner reported to the board Monday night that residential construction in Peachtree City this year has been busier than expected, with the biggest difference being seen in the multifamily sector.

Original 1999 budget projections came to $852,150 in multifamily revenue, but that figure has been bumped up to $1.15 million due to planned construction of several apartment complexes.

Projections for 2000 in the same category are now at $260,000. The $592,150 drop is the largest contributor to the overall $405,000 decrease in revenue projections from 1999 to 2000.

As for the projected operating budget increase, $164,783 was attributed to materials, supplies and services. A $38,807 increase in salaries and benefits can be mostly tied to the added operator position.

Turner said an increase from $24,000 to $50,000 for engineering services is because much more engineering support is expected to be necessary in the coming year as the system becomes busier.

The $40,000 adjustment in solids disposal costs was chalked up to simple human error in computing this year's figures. “We just missed it by that much,” said Turner.

He expects that column to see little difference in cost even if the system switches to a composting method as expected later this year. Turner plans to visit a composting site in Plains today in preparation for a possible move in the near future.

The capital improvement budget is now at $2.7 million for the upcoming fiscal year, with a shift from projects in the original bond issue for projects identified in the past year, Turner said.

A transfer of some funds from the Replacement and Extension Fund as well as the Rate Stabilization Fund was proposed to help cover some projects.

The September meeting will be Tuesday, the 7th, due to the regular meeting date falling on Labor Day. It will be at the WASA offices at Flat Creek, with a demonstration of the authority's new central controls and TV monitoring systems expected to be on the agenda.

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