Board Meeting: March 30, 2026 @ 9:00 AM
PERSONS PRESENT: Barry Mansell, Nancy Martin, Becky Dabbs, Harry Johnston, John Workman, Chris Wilbanks, Steven Woodruff, Dwayne Fowler, Darrell Caudill, Wesley Banks, Nick Clark, Corey Ghorley, Beth Jones, Clint Blackwell, Jennifer Arp, Garry Hensley, Jody Henson, Keith Allen, Tyler West, Bryan Watkins, Ron Price, Ryan Sarks, Melanie Stephens, Melissa Darvish, Tyler Childers, Jamie Veley, George Parks, Jeff Hooper, Eric Wright, Sharon Clark, Shayne Fowler, Greg Long, Alison Cagle, David Cheatwood and Ken Pollock.
Barry Mansell, Chair, called the meeting to order.
1. AN INVOCATION WAS GIVEN BY NANCY MARTIN, FOLLOWED BY THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
2. DAVID CHEATWOOD OF FIRST TRYON ADVISORS NOTED THAT ON 3/2/26, FIRST TRYON ADVISORS, ON BEHALF OF THE AUTHORITY, DISTRIBUTED A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS TO LOCAL, REGIONAL, AND NATIONAL BANKS FOR A REFUNDING OF THE AUTHORITY’S WATER AND SEWERAGE SYSTEM REVENUE REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES 2016, TO ACHIEVE DEBT SERVICE SAVINGS. Mr. Cheatwood noted that the RFP requested that interested banks submit proposals for a financing of approximately $21.1 million that matures on 8/1/2035 (the final maturity of the refunded 2016 bonds).
Mr. Cheatwood noted that on 3/23/26, the Authority received ten conforming proposals. After reviewing the proposals, it is the recommendation of Authority staff, Authority counsel, bond counsel, and financial advisor to select the lowest interest rate of 3.52% offered by Regions Bank.
Based on Regions’ proposal, the refunding of the 2016 Bonds will generate the following savings:
• Net present value savings ($) $1,168,497
• Net present value savings (%) 5.62%
• Total cash flow savings $1,393,439
• Average annual cash flow savings $149,571
Mr. Cheatwood noted the final savings figures are in-line with the estimated savings presented at the Authority’s work session on 2/19/26 ($1,219,407 / 5.87% net present value savings with total cash flow savings of $1,437,796).
Mr. Cheatwood stated that the refunding bonds will match the maturity of the 2016 Bonds (i.e. no extension of maturity).
Mr. Cheatwood recommended that the Board adopt the Series Resolution that approves the refunding of the 2016 Bonds and the payoff of the 2001, 2006, and 2007 Bonds. After this approval, the Refunding Bonds will be validated the week of April 20th, and closing will occur on 5/7/26.
Mr. Cheatwood noted that on 5/7/26, the refunding of the 2016 Bonds will become effective and the outstanding $5,000 balances of the Series 2001, Series 2006, and Series 2007 Bonds will be paid off resulting in the debt profile that was presented by Mr. Cheatwood.
MOTION BY NANCY MARTIN AND SECOND BY HARRY JOHNSTON TO APPROVE THE ADOPTION OF THE 2026 SUPPLEMENTAL RESOLUTION (ATTACHED) AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF WATER AND SEWERAGE REVENUE REFUNDING BONDS, SERIES 2026, AND PROVIDING FOR THE EXECUTION OF A BOND PURCHASE AGREEMENT AND ESCROW DEPOSIT AGREEMENT AND RELATED PURPOSES. All members voted for the motion.
3. GARRY HENSLEY REQUESTED APPROVAL FOR CCWSA TO REQUEST RELINQUISHMENT OF A PORTION OF THE CITY OF BALL GROUND SERVICE AREA INTO CCWSA SERVICE AREA. Mr. Hensley noted that the Authority has received a request from two property owners on Flatbottom Road to provide service to their properties. Mr. Hensley noted these parcels are currently located inside the City of Ball Ground service area. Mr. Hensley questioned if the Board would like to provide notification to the City that the Authority is requesting relinquishment by the City of Ball Ground for the Authority to serve these parcels indicated by the attached service area map (ATTACHED). Mr. Hensley noted the City currently has existing lines some distance away.
MOTION BY STEVEN WOODRUFF AND SECOND BY CHRIS WILBANKS TO APPROVE THAT CCWSA WILL SEND THE CITY OF BALL GROUND A SERVICE AREA RELINQUISHMENT LETTER. All members voted for the motion.
4. MOTION BY BECKY DABBS AND SECOND BY JOHN WORKMAN TO APPROVE THE FY 2026 SURPLUS LISTING AS PRESENTED. All members voted for the motion.
5. MOTION BY JOHN WORKMAN AND SECOND BY NANCY MARTIN TO APPROVE THE 2/23/26 BOARD MEETING MINUTES AS PRESENTED. All members voted for the motion.
6. BETH JONES PRESENTED THE FINANCE REPORT. Mrs. Jones reported that total revenues are approximately $824,265.00 below budget projections for the period ending 1/31/26. Mrs. Jones reported that total expenditures are approximately $532,887.00 below budget projections for the same period. Mrs. Jones reported year-to-date net income of $4,185,009.00 for the period ending 1/31/26.
7. CLINT BLACKWELL PRESENTED THE WATER TREATMENT OPERATIONS REPORT. Mr. Blackwell reported an average daily treatment of 18.765 MGD for the month of February 2026 at the Etowah River Water Treatment Facility. Mr. Blackwell reported that the Hollis Q. Lathem Reservoir is currently at full pool at 1189.3 ft. Mr. Blackwell reported a cumulative rainfall total of 46.17” for the past twelve months.
8. JAMIE VELEY PRESENTED THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT OPERATIONS REPORT. Mr. Veley reported an average daily treatment of 2.78 MGD at the Rose Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility, as well as a total reuse monthly flow
of 2.36 MG. Mr. Veley reported an average daily treatment of 5.80 MGD at the Fitzgerald Creek Wastewater Treatment Facility, and an average daily treatment of 0.39 MGD at the Riverbend Wastewater Treatment Facility.
9. JENNIFER ARP PRESENTED THE ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT. Mrs. Arp noted that no spills or overflows occurred during this reporting period.
10. GARRY HENSLEY PRESENTED THE CONSTRUCTION REPORT. Mr. Hensley noted that Authority crews are continuing work on the Conns Creek Road, Holly Springs Parkway, and Trickum Road projects. Mr. Hensley noted that Authority crews will begin installing sewer lines for the new administrative office soon.
11. DWAYNE FOWLER PRESENTED THE GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT.
12. DWAYNE FOWLER NOTED THAT, AS DISCUSSED AT THE 3/26/26 WORK SESSION, THE AUTHORITY IS IN RECEIPT OF CORRESPONDENCE FROM LANCE JACKSON. In this correspondence, Mr. Jackson questioned if the Authority would be interested in acquiring the Lake Arrowhead Utility Company. If so, Mr. Jackson requested information regarding the mechanism for a transition of ownership, as well as any capital donation needed from his company that would aid them in making a decision on a potential sale.
Mr. Fowler noted that it was the consensus of the Board at the work session for Authority staff to perform due diligence and assess the Lake Arrowhead Utility Company’s system.
Mr. Fowler noted that he has now contacted the Johnson Group, which is the owner of the Lake Arrowhead community. The Johnson Group was unaware of this specific request. Mr. Fowler also noted that this request is not under contract at this time.
Mr. Fowler further noted that he would inform both Mr. Jackson and Steve Rowe of the Johnson Group that the Authority would perform due diligence and conduct an assessment of the Lake Arrowhead Utility Company after receiving confirmation that a contract between the parties exists.
13. CHRIS WILBANKS RECUSED HIMSELF FROM THE MEETING.
14. DARRELL CAUDILL REQUESTED BOARD CONSIDERATION OF THE PURCHASE OF PROPERTY IDENTIFIED AS PARCEL 2026-A. Mr. Caudill noted that the contract has been executed by the Wilbanks family as the seller of this property. Mr. Caudill noted that this contract is subject to and contingent upon a final vote by the CCWSA Board to approve the sale of the subject real property which vote shall occur on or after 3/30/26. In the event the CCWSA Board does not vote to approve the sale of the subject property on or before 4/27/26, then this contract shall become null and void and all monies paid shall be refunded to CCWSA as the Purchaser.
Mr. Caudill noted that the Wilbanks family requests to retain an easement for a sign monument located on a corner of this piece of property so that the Wilbanks family may maintain and improve the sign monument as needed. Mr. Caudill noted that if the Authority purchases this parcel, the Authority would own the entire tract with the exception of this easement area.
MOTION BY HARRY JOHNSTON AND SECOND BY NANCY MARTIN TO APPROVE THE PURCHASE OF PROPERTY IDENTIFIED AS PARCEL 2026-A, WHICH IS THE WILBANKS TRACT LOCATED ON AIRPORT DRIVE AND WILBANKS DRIVE, LAND LOT 432, 3RD DISTRICT, 2ND SECTION, AND IN LAND LOT 319 OF 14TH DISTRICT, 2ND SECTION, CHEROKEE COUNTY, GA, TAX PARCEL ID NUMBER 14N26-044 IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,587,400.00. THIS PURCHASE IS CONTINGENT UPON THE ADDITION OF A CLAUSE TO THE CONTRACT WHICH STATES THAT THE SELLER/EASEMENT HOLDER SHALL NOT ALTER THE HEIGHT, WIDTH, DEPTH, OR TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE OF THE MONUMENT’S FOOTPRINT OR THE CONTENT OF THE SIGNAGE WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CHEROKEE COUNTY WATER & SEWERAGE AUTHORITY. IN THE EVENT OF ANY REPAIR, REPLACEMENT, MAINTENANCE, OR ALTERATION OF THE SIGN MONUMENT, SELLER/EASEMENT HOLDER SHALL OBTAIN THE PRIOR EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE CHEROKEE COUNTY WATER & SEWERAGE AUTHORITY. THIS RESERVATION SHALL RUN WITH THE LAND AND BIND ALL SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. All members voted for the motion.
15. MOTION BY JOHN WORKMAN AND SECOND BY STEVEN WOODRUFF TO ADJOURN. All members voted for the motion.
