Background/Purpose of Request:
Brunswick County Utilities has been the contract operator of the Lower Cape Fear Water & Sewer Authority raw water system since its initial construction in the early 1980’s. This system supplies the majority of raw water for the potable water needs of Brunswick, New Hanover, and Pender Counties. The $42 million LCFWSA 54” diameter raw water system expansion project is nearing completion and staff from LCFWSA and Brunswick County have discussed potential adjustments to the staffing of the LCFWSA system to meet the increased operational responsibilities and ensure succession planning for these critical facilities. On July 12, 2021, the Lower Cape Fear Water and Sewer Authority Board approved the potential adjustments to the staffing arrangement provided by Brunswick County through its contract operator agreement (See the attached approved LCFWSA agenda item).
The recommended staffing changes must be approved by the Brunswick County Board of Commissioner’s since the LCFWSA facilities are managed by Brunswick County Utilities personnel, but the costs are pass-through costs paid by LCFWSA. The LCFWSA budget would move a 0.5 FTE to NWWTP and create one (1) new position. The NWWTP budget would increase a 0.5 FTE position to a 1.0 FTE position but the costs would be offset by the receipt of an initial $2,000 per month administrative fee paid by Lower Cape Fear Water and Sewer Authority. The net cost increase of the adjustment is 0.5 FTE which is paid directly by the Lower Cape Fear Water and Sewer Authority. The new position would have supervisory responsibility and would be classified as a grade 69. Staff recommends approval of the recommended staffing adjustments. |