Henry County Public Service Authority (PSA) General Manager Dale Wagoner presented a proposed $14.99 million fiscal year 2026–2027 budget to the PSA Board of Directors during its April 20 meeting.
The proposal reflects a $175,551 increase, or about 1.2 percent, over the current fiscal year.
Wagoner said the plan maintains stable service levels while focusing on system reliability and long-term financial stability. He also noted the proposal does not include any changes to water or sewer rates for customers.
The operating portion of the budget is proposed at $11.99 million, a 3.8 percent increase aimed at supporting utility operations and covering rising costs.
Revenues are projected at $15.18 million, a 1 percent decrease from the current fiscal year. Wagoner attributed the dip primarily to lower expected interest income and a more cautious outlook for some large industrial users. He said overall water and wastewater revenues are expected to remain stable under current use trends and rate structures.
On the expense side, the budget accounts for higher costs in several areas, including state-mandated retirement contributions, treatment costs, and inflation-driven increases in materials, supplies and insurance. It also includes additional spending for technology upgrades, employee training and system maintenance.
The PSA also increased its contingency reserve to $700,000 to help address potential uncertainties such as fluctuating treatment costs, regulatory changes, fuel prices and unexpected system repairs.
The proposed spending plan includes a 2 percent cost-of-living adjustment for employees and maintains full employer-paid health insurance coverage, along with a modest increase in contributions to the county’s self-insurance program.
Capital improvements and debt service total $3.42 million of the overall budget and include infrastructure upgrades, equipment and vehicle replacement, system rehabilitation and facility maintenance.
The investments are intended to maintain reliable service, improve efficiency and extend the life of critical infrastructure.
The PSA Board of Directors is expected to consider the proposal in the coming weeks.
