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expenses for 2022 were 15% above budget but excluding purchased power it only exceeds <br />budget by 1.7%. Water is 5.4% over 2022 budget. <br />Ms. Slominski added the auditor did recommend utilizing inter -funded borrowing from <br />the water department for bonding electric capital projects. <br />Chair Dietz asked how much Minnesota Municipal Power Agency was increasing rates. <br />Staff responded that number is not final. There was discussion. <br />Chair Dietz asked how these rate increases will be communicated to customers. <br />Staff responded that there would be continued messaging about Power Cost Adjustments <br />(PCA) and how purchased power, which is 75% of ERMU's budget, is outside of its control. <br />Mr. Mauren shared that communications staff had an article ready for the winter <br />newsletter. He added that social media, bill messages, and the website alert bar are all <br />tools that will assist in messaging. <br />Chair Dietz asked Ms. Youngs if customers have complaints about PCAs. She responded <br />that they generally just have questions and tend to understand when the reasoning is <br />provided. There was discussion. <br />Moved by Commissioner Stewart and seconded by Commissioner Nadeau to adopt the <br />2023 Annual Business Plan. Motion carried 5-0. <br />5.4 Field Services Facility Expansion Project Update <br />Mr. Kerzman informed the Commission that crews are wrapping up as much of the outside <br />work as possible until spring and the interior punch list is still progressing. <br />Mr. Kerzman explained there was a meeting scheduled with RJM Construction to review a <br />report on the concrete in the vehicle storage, inventory, and workshop areas. <br />Mr. Hanson shared that he anticipated the concrete in the drive lane of the inventory bay <br />would need to be replaced and that the rest will be negotiated in terms of a credit or <br />wa rra nty. <br />Chair Dietz asked if concrete replacement would occur now or wait until spring. <br />Mr. Hanson shared his belief that it would wait until spring because there will have to be <br />collaboration with the concrete contractor. <br />Chair Dietz asked about the progress of electric punch list. <br />Elk River Municipal Utilities Commission Meeting Minutes <br />December 13, 2022 <br />Page 7 <br />45 <br />