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Chair Dietz commended staff for its small number of injuries given the high-risk field that <br /> they work in. <br /> Moved by Commissioner Nadeau and seconded by Commissioner Bell to receive and file the <br /> 2021 Annual Safety Report. Motion carried 5-0 <br /> 5.0 BUSINESS ACTION <br /> 5.1 Financial Report— December 2021 <br /> Ms. Slominski presented the December 2021 Financial Report and shared that she was <br /> happy to see that ERMU had performed slightly better than budget. Ms. Slominski went <br /> on to provide her opinion that the biggest contributor to increased expenses in 2021 was <br /> higher purchased power costs. <br /> Chair Dietz asked staff if they expect the budget and actual amounts of purchased power <br /> costs to be closer in 2022, noting the disparity in 2021. Ms. Slominski responded that <br /> there was a large disparity in power provider's budget which created the gap. She added <br /> that ERMU is again budgeting from the numbers that the power provider presents so any <br /> potential disparity would depend on fluctuations in the market like those seen in 2021. <br /> There was discussion. <br /> Chair Dietz noted the increase in administrative expenses within the water budget. Ms. <br /> Slominski explained that this line item was impacted by bonding and consulting fees as <br /> well as the department's share of medical and dental insurance. <br /> Moved by Commissioner Stewart and seconded by Commissioner Nadeau to receive the <br /> December 2021 Financial Report. Motion carried 5-0. <br /> 5.2 2021 Fourth Quarter Delinquent Items <br /> Ms. Slominski presented the 2021 Fourth Quarter Delinquent Items. She highlighted the last <br /> paragraph in the memo that provides a national benchmark for the percentage of doubtful <br /> accounts (bad debt/write-offs). ERMU is below that national average and its own budget <br /> amount. Ms. Slominski credited staff with this favorable result. There was discussion. <br /> Chair Dietz asked if individuals who delayed payments during the pandemic have been <br /> catching up. Ms. Slominski responded there are some payment plans in place and many <br /> customers have received assistance. She also noted that ERMU's receivables balance is in a <br /> better position than it was at this point last year. There was discussion. <br /> Chair Dietz asked Mr. Portner if funds from the American Rescue Plan Act could cover some <br /> portion of delinquencies. Mr. Portner responded that funds could be used for that purpose, <br /> Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission Meeting Minutes <br /> February 8, 2022 <br /> Page 3 <br />