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3 <br /> discuss. She said that Governor Cooper said more guidance will be determined by March 71h <br /> She said that she and the mayors are working in concert with each other. <br /> 4. Proclamations/ Resolutions/ Special Presentations <br /> a. OWASA Annual Update Presentation <br /> The Board received a presentation and information from the Orange Water and Sewer Authority <br /> (OWASA) on recent activities. <br /> BACKGROUND: At the beginning of each calendar year, OWASA representatives appear <br /> before the Board of Commissioners to make a presentation on recent OWASA activities. An <br /> update on OWASA's Long-Range Water Supply Plan will also be provided. <br /> OWASA Board Chair Jody Eimers and Board Member/Immediate Past Chair Ray DuBose, <br /> both Orange County appointees to the OWASA Board, will present the annual update. <br /> OWASA Planning and Development Manager Ruth Rouse will provide an update to OWASA's <br /> Long Range Water Supply Plan (LRWSP). <br /> Jody Eimers introduced Todd Taylor, executive director of OWASA, Ruth Rouse, and <br /> Ray DuBose. <br /> Jody Eimers provided a Strategic Plan update. OWASA is working on a new Strategic <br /> Plan to help guide investments and priorities over the next 5-6 years. The OWASA Board of <br /> Directors has held three work sessions with staff to work on the new strategic plan, which <br /> included discussing input received from the community, board, and staff, as well as revising <br /> mission and vision. Recently began working to narrow top six priorities for next 5-6 years. <br /> Jody Eimers discussed board membership. She thanked the Commissioners for <br /> appointing her and Ray DuBose to the OWASA Board of Directors. She described the board as <br /> a governing body rather than an advisory body. She explained the Board's responsibilities in <br /> detail. She said that Board members are compensated for their service on the board. She said <br /> that all interested candidates are encouraged to apply. OWASA works to recruit diverse <br /> members and the only interest needed is an interest to serve and be available. She said that <br /> they appreciate assistance in recruiting board members and assistance encouraging <br /> applications. She said that they have been sharing information with the NAACP and El Centro <br /> Hispano on board vacancies. She said that Chapel Hill appoints five OWASA Board members, <br /> Carrboro appoints two, and Orange County appoints two. She indicated that there are two <br /> openings on the Board of Directors. She said that she and Ray DuBose are both on their <br /> second terms and that she has been selected as chair. She highlighted the importance of filling <br /> vacancies as quickly as possible due to the important work that is ongoing. She said that <br /> appointments by Orange County will be made July 1 in 2023 and 2024. She invited Ray <br /> DuBose to make comments. <br /> Ray DuBose discussed the status of the OWASA standard collection practices and <br /> affordability. He said OWASA used the local indefinite state of emergency as guidance and <br /> chose to defer resuming standard bill collection practices for residential customers. He said <br /> there are about 580 customers that are 60 days or more passed due with an average of $460 <br /> passed due. He said that customers will be given 30 days' notice before collection practices <br /> begin. He said that customers that miss two billing cycles will be sent to collection. He said that <br /> upon resuming standard collection practices, OWASA will provide payment plan option for <br /> those who need it. He noted that utility bill assistance continues to be critical to ensuring long <br /> term access to OWASA's services. He said current delinquent customers are encouraged to <br /> pay what they can and to seek bill pay assistance, like the Care to Share donation program. He <br />