Purpose

The Okeechobee Utility Authority (OUA) was created for the purpose of acquiring, owning, operating and maintaining a regional water and wastewater system to ensure adequate future water supply and wastewater services for the citizens, residents and utility consumers located within Okeechobee County and a portion of Glades County.  The OUA Board establishes policy for the operation of the Authority, including the ability to adopt an annual budget, levy non-ad valorem assessments, establish rates and fees, and acquire lands, assets and rights for the operation and expansion of the water and wastewater systems.

Created By

The Okeechobee Utility Authority was created by Interlocal Agreement between Okeechobee County, City of Okeechobee and OUA.  

Membership Details/Requirements

• The Okeechobee Utility Authority consists of 5 members and 3 alternate members.
• Term:  Staggered 4-year terms. 
• Meet:  The Board meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 8:30 a.m. 
• The Board of County Commissioners and the Okeechobee City Council each appoint 2 regular members and 1 alternate member.
• The 4 regular members appointed by the County and the City appoint a 5th regular member and an alternate member. 
• Alternate members may vote only in the absence of one of the regular members appointed by the same body that appointed the alternate.
• All appointees must reside within the service area (franchise area) of the OUA.  One of the County appointees must reside within the service area of the former Okeechobee Beach Water Association.  Both City appointees must reside within the City of Okeechobee.  The 5th appointee that appoints an alternate must reside within the OUA water or wastewater service area located within Glades County.

Appointment Terms

• The terms of the five  (5) members and three (3) alternates are appointed to serve staggered four (4) year terms. 

Meetings Held

• 3rd Tuesday of every month at 8:30 a.m.
• Location: Okeechobee Utility Authority, 100 SW 5th Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida

Is Financial Disclosure Required to Serve?

Yes

Board Coordinator

Okeechobee Utility Authority
Executive Director, John Hayford
100 SW 5th Avenue, Okeechobee, FL 34972
Ph: 863-763-9460


An Okeechobee County Citizen Board/Committee application may be obtained from the County Administrator’s Office or downloaded from the Okeechobee County website. 

Download Application at:  Citizen Application for Board Appointment - Revised March 2021 ADA

To be considered for a County appointment to the Okeechobee Utility Authority Board, submit a completed application to the County Administrator’s Office at 304 NW 2nd Street, Room 123, Okeechobee, FL 34972; or by email at: trowland@co.okeechobee.fl.us. along with a copy of your driver’s license or other picture identification demonstrating residency in Okeechobee County.

For information on City appointments to the OUA Board, contact Okeechobee City Hall at (863) 763-3372.

Members:

Okeechobee Utility Authority (OUA)
BOARD MEMBER	TERM EXPIRES
Appointments by CITY:
Steve Nelson, Member, Chairman	03/01/2027
Frank Irby, Board Member	03/01/2025
Vacant - Alternate
Appointments by COUNTY:
Tabitha Trent, Member. 2nd Vice Chair	03/01/25
VACANT, Member, Vice Chair	03/01/28
VACANT, Alternate	03/01/25
5th Member and Alternate are selected  by the above Members:
Harry Moldenhauer (Glades resident)	03/01/25
Melanie Anderson, Alternate (Glades)	03/01/25