* The categorization and listing of departments on this website do not reflect the official organizational structure or hierarchy of the Tribal government.
The Utilities Authority Board of Directors consists of seven Tribal Citizens appointed by the Tribal Council to three-year terms through an application process. The Utilities Authority was established in 1994 by the Tribal Council to manage and oversee essential services for the community. Initially, PCI Utilities owned and operated a distribution and collection system, purchasing water from the local Freemanville water system and distributing it throughout the Reservation and Tribal housing through PCI-owned and maintained water lines. Wastewater was collected and transferred to Atmore for treatment through sewer force mains.
In 2007, an ordinance was adopted by the Tribal Council to better define the purpose and responsibilities of the PCI Utilities Authority (PCIUA). This ordinance supported the buildout of PCI’s own water and sewer systems to accommodate future growth, and it expanded PCIUA’s duties to include oversight of water, sewer, garbage collection, and other underground utilities.
By 2008, with the assistance of the Indian Health Service, PCI established its first well and water treatment plant, which connected to the existing distribution system and elevated storage tank. The following year, the development and construction of an activated sludge wastewater treatment plant began as part of the Wind Creek Atmore buildout.
Over the years, PCIUA has continued to expand and improve Poarch’s water and wastewater systems to support tribal and community growth. Today, PCI operates two source wells and three elevated storage tanks, providing essential services to the Poarch community and the Tribe.
In 2013, Huxford reached out to PCI for assistance in operating and maintaining the Huxford Water System. To provide this support, an Operations and Maintenance (O&M) Agreement was established for the following year. In 2014, Escambia Community Utilities, LLC was created to acquire the Huxford Water System, aiming to assist and support the neighboring community while keeping it separate from the Tribal system.
By 2015, the Canoe Water System approached PCI with a request for similar assistance due to its failing infrastructure, seeking to better meet the water needs of the Canoe community. The acquisition was finalized by the end of that year. Since then, PCI has initiated and continued annual upgrades to enhance the sustainability and water quality of both the Huxford and Canoe water systems.
In accordance with the constitution, which was adopted on June 1,1985, the Poarch Creek Indians is governed by a nine member elected Tribal Council. A fulltime staff is employed to provide administrative support for the operation of the Tribal government and programs.
For Tribal Bill Pay login assistance, contact Candy Byrd at (251) 368-9136 ext 2006 or cbyrd@pci-nsn.gov
The Roundhouse is accessible to Tribal Citizens and Tribal Government Employees only. For login assistance, please email theroundhouse@pci-nsn.gov or call Sharon Delmar at (251) 368-9136 ext 2216
