Solution to Lompico Water District’s woes could be merger with SLVWD

As Supervisor of the 5th District, I am concerned with the health and welfare of all my constituents. Several years ago, when I learned of the ongoing water crisis in Lompico, I convened stakeholders to find the most viable solution. After much research, it was determined that consolidation of the Lompico Water District into the San Lorenzo Valley Water District is the best answer.
Both of the Water Districts, the Local Agency Formation Commission, State Water Resources Control Board, Santa Cruz County Environmental Health, and my staff and I met regularly under the leadership of the County Chief Administrative Officer. We’ve thoroughly examined every aspect of the consolidation, and we’ve reached the final stage.
On March 16, we will know whether a majority of property owners in Lompico have chosen to become part of the San Lorenzo Valley Water District.
Consolidating the Districts would solve a crisis which has been an issue during my term and the term of my predecessor, Assemblymember Stone. The residents of Lompico have the lowest water usage and the highest water rates; their District buys water from SLVWD to meet demand (a situation which cannot continue indefinitely), and is unable to afford the needed upgrades to its infrastructure.
The State Water Resources Control Board placed Lompico on a short list of water districts around the state which were in danger of running out of water. This led the Governor to authorize the installation of a temporary inter-tie to SLVWD; becoming part of that District would allow Lompico to make the temporary inter-tie a permanent main, and give its residents a secure source of water into the future.
Consolidation of the Districts would provide needed fire protection through the inter-tie upgrade, which is why it is supported by Zayante Fire Chief John Stipes.
Consolidation of the Districts makes good environmental sense, which is why it has been endorsed by the Environmental Committee of the Valley Women’s Club.
Consolidation of the Districts makes good economic sense; it would provide more staffing, full time management, and lower rates.
To achieve this, the residents of Lompico are being asked to create an assessment district, placing a fee on their property taxes for ten years. The cost of this assessment would be offset by the lower water rates.
I commend both Districts for continuing to work toward a solution to this crisis in the San LorenzoValley. I urge the property owners of Lompico to vote to create an assessment district and become a part of the San Lorenzo Valley Water District.
Last year, when the bond failed by one vote to reach the 2/3 threshold, we saw that every vote counts.
Bruce McPherson is the Santa Cruz County 5^th District Supervisor.