Merger defines Lompico water board race
By Kara Guzman, Santa Cruz Sentinel, Calif. | |
McClatchy-Tribune Information Services |
A merger would annex Lompico's tiny drought-stricken, financially-troubled district to the larger and more stable
Since January, when Lompico was deemed by the state public health department as being in danger of running out of water within four months, an emergency pipeline, paid by state funds, was constructed for minimum fire safety and health requirements. When Lompico's strongest well temporarily failed in July, the district bought water from
However, the emergency pipeline does not solve Lompico's long-term water supply and financial problems.
"The emergency line is exactly that -- only for emergencies," said Supervisor
Not only has the Lompico district lacked a manager since 2010, but the district has zero financial reserves, forcing it to defer bill payments, said
Lompico, which has a limited income due to its small size, cannot afford a district manager, she said, a position required by the state.
"As time goes on, it becomes more and more difficult for a small district to really be able to do everything they need to, legally and financially," Walker said.
Lompico customers use less water and pay more than anyone in the county, said McPherson, who said he became involved in merger talks as soon as he was elected. Lompico's crisis is one of the biggest issues in the district, he said, and the proposal going before voters in January is likely the district's best shot at a merger.
"I don't think there's a very good prospect of us getting to this point in the future," McPherson said.</p>
For the three candidates opposing the merger -- incumbent
Gott said he believes estimated costs are inflated, and if the district stayed independent, customers would pay less.
Meacham said he thinks replacing the district's redwood tanks, an estimated
"The want us to redo the engine then they want us to pay for them to take it," Meacham said.
"It pretty much reflects the facts as they are on the ground," said Ricker, who added if the merger doesn't pass, Lompico will face probable bankruptcy and receivership, in which a court would make all decisions, including setting water rates.
"We've gone past conservation. We're talking emergency, and this is how we live," Schaller said. "We can meet that need because we've cut back that far, but we can't meet an ordinary day-to-day need for water."
Merger: No
Lompico resident: 14 years
Occupation: Small business owner, former construction and project manager
Experience: Incumbent, 4 years
Merger: No
Lompico resident: 34 years
Occupation: Small business owner, retired engineer
Merger: Yes
Lompico resident: 11 years
Occupation: Community organizer, retired journalist
Experience: Lompico water citizens advisory committee, 4 years
Website: www.yessforlompico.com
Merger: Yes
Lompico resident: 24 years
Occupation: Schoolteacher
Experience: Lompico water citizens advisory committee, 4 years
Website: www.yessforlompico.com
Merger: No
Lompico resident: 14 years
Occupation: Mortgage and insurance inspector, former small business owner
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