Take over Minden, Gardnerville water

EDITOR:

The proposed consolidation of eight water districts by Douglas County would result in increases in rates to some districts far more than decreasing the costs of others. The county has stated that its intent is to "reduce costs for customers of the smallest of them without increasing rates much for the largest." Although a noble effort, the projected rates show serious flaws in the plan. For instance, we in the West Valley will see our rates increase 270 percent by 2014, whereas Cave Rock will decrease their rates by 80 percent during the same period. In addition, we are on water meters and Cave Rock is not, which would allow their use to be both cheaper and unrestricted. This is not fair to us or any of the other districts facing similar astronomical rate increases.

A more fair way to achieve the same goal would be to plan increases and decreases in rates that are identical for each district over time. Phasing in the changes over time would make it possible for the rates to rise and fall proportionally and make this bitter pill easier for many of us to swallow. Since water is a service provided now by Douglas County, then perhaps it is time to include all residential water districts in the plan, including Gardnerville and Minden. By doing so the increases and decreases would be distributed over thousands more homes and would result in smaller needed increases. Since we all share the quality of life our county provides, then now is the time for all of us to share equally the responsibility.

Mike and Meredith Jessup

Genoa