Water consolidation stirs up emotions

Customers of the East Valley water utility were armed May 6 with petitions bearing hundreds of signatures in opposition to Douglas County's proposed consolidation of water systems that will result in rate hikes.

About 100 people packed county commissioner chambers to show their opposition to the phased-in rate hikes to begin July 1.

"This board is not doing this because it's easy," said Commissioner Doug Johnson. "We expected a roomful of passionate people. We are doing what we believe is right."

Chairman Mike Olson asked for a show of hands, with only person indicating he was in favor of the consolidation.

County Manager T. Michael Brown spoke for about 15 minutes, outlining the history of the county's acquisition of eight water systems. He presented a lengthy issue paper because he wanted to address frequently asked questions and put the consolidation proposal into context.

The issue has been debated for about 18 months with the majority of customers opposed to the increase.

Brown said there was "an inherent bias in favor of consolidation coming from me."

He said staff came up with two options for commissioners: Maintain the status quo or subsidize the smaller systems to bring rates down and create greater equity.

He pointed out that over the years the county's water systems had been subsidized by all taxpayers through taking money out of the general fund, no longer an option in keeping with the county's business practices.

"Which is more equitable: Have citizens that receive water from either another agency or their own private wells (about 83 percent of the population) subsidize the county's water systems? Or consolidate the systems and have those that receive water services from the county pay the costs of operating and maintaining the county's water utilities?" Brown asked.

The paper also details prior subsidies the county says benefited East Valley water users long before the consolidation was proposed.

That information didn't mollify East Valley resident Stuart Posselt, an outspoken critic of the consolidation.

The first public speaker, Posselt brought 10 petitions with dozens of signatures. He tried to jockey for more than three minutes of podium time, but Chairman Mike Olson held to the speaking limit.

When it looked like Posselt wouldn't sit down, Olson briefly left the chambers.

Posselt railed against "blunders and errors of others" and the county's "socialistic attitude."

"We will not get more water or better water - just the bill," he said.

He was followed by 10 other speakers against the consolidation.

Bob Engelhardt asked commissioners what would happen when people stop watering their property to save money.

"What's going to happen when guys like me start tearing the grass out? Rocks forever!" he said.

Olson thanked the standing-room-only crowd for attending.

"I appreciate everyone coming out tonight," he said. "Somebody said the decision had already been made. Nothing could be farther from the truth. We're waiting for some additional information before we make a decision in June. We are a community in transition and we will see where this goes."

The next hearing is set June 3 with a second reading and possible adoption on June 17. If adopted, the rates would be phased in until 2014.