A public hearing regarding proposed water/sewage rate increases was held in Clearlake Oaks on Saturday. The public hearing, which was conducted in a fashion more like a town hall meeting, provided an opportunity for members of the public to voice their concerns in regard to the proposals.
Clearlake Oaks County Water District was proposing a nearly 40-percent rate increase. However, General Manager Darin McCosker reported on Monday that due to the outcome of Saturday”s hearing that he will be requesting the formation of a finance committee at the district”s upcoming board meeting rather than propose the rate increase at this time.
“I”m suggesting that we look at the findings of a finance committee before we proceed with presenting the district with a proposal for rate increases,” McCosker said.
The Board of Directors is scheduled to meet at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20 at the district office, 12952 East Highway 20 in Clearlake Oaks.
Some in attendance at Saturday”s meeting indicated that they would support a gradual increase. Many were upset at the thought of paying the 40 percent increase in one immediate action. McCosker reminded the crowd, many of which expressed themselves in an irate manner, that the purpose of the evening”s meeting was to determine the desires of the community.
Questions posed by members of the public concerned operation practices, number of employees, salaries, water quality and board compensation. Other complaints not related to the issue presented for public hearing included individual customer service complaints.
According to answers provided by McCosker and the board, there are 14 ? employees currently on the payroll. The district has 715 active connections and 1630 sewer laterals. Two board members have reportedly waived their right to compensation while three receive compensation of $50 per meeting.
The public asked if audits are behind and why not use volunteers to conduct the audits. The board reported that audits are behind and that a certified public accountant must prepare them. The public also asked why two employees are used to read meters. McCosker explained that it is less time consuming for two people to read the meters that it is for one. “One guy would take about four or five days,” he said adding that with two, the job is complete in less than two days. McCosker added that the district needs an automated reader; however, the district cannot afford the expense.
Members of the board took a lot of time trying to explain to the public that many of the problems currently faced by the district are the result of past board decisions and illegal practices of a former general manager.
Citizen Bob White, who said he was a retired supervisor from Napa County, stood up for the new board. “You have a new board,” White said. “There are still two board members who should be removed. The past general manager took this district down. Give this new board a chance. The old board gave the general manager everything he wanted.”
McCosker said he will propose the formation of a finance committee at the next board meeting.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com.
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