Central Coast residents weigh in on public takeover of Cal Am water system
The public is getting its post-election chance to weigh in on the takeover of Cal Am’s water system.
Just a year ago, a watchdog report showed people on the Monterey Peninsula were paying an average of $1,200 a year for their water. That’s the highest water bill in the country. However, Measure J allows the water management district to explore a possible public buyout.
On Monday night, the first of several listening sessions were held at Seaside City Hall for residents to give input on the buyout.
“Just tell us what is feasible and how they want us to proceed with buying Cal Am,” said Monterey Peninsula Water Management District, Division Two Director Alvin Edwards.
People will rank seven options from most to least important on things such as immediate savings or paying more now to save in the long-term.
“Just because you want it doesn’t mean it’s feasible, just because you feel passionate about it, doesn’t mean it’s feasible. You really have to have an objective measure,” said Dave Stoldt, MPWMD, General Manager.
Dave Stoldt told KION the decision to buy out Cal Am hinges on three factors, is it financially feasible, is it doable and is it desirable.
Desirable means public interest and that is something that will be useful in a potential court date with Cal Am if they refused to sell. Cal Am said they are worth more than one billion dollars and the buyout has to be proven reasonable.
“If you said my rates will be higher for the next three years, but then lower for the next 27, I think we would look hard at that.”
Unlike Measure J, the seven member water board, not the waters will ultimately decide if they move forward with the plan.
“You can’t let the public just run this whole thing either. This is a high level intense set of mathematics, and law and investment banking,” said Stoldt.
Stoldt expects a report and a decision in about seven months.
A meeting Tuesday will be located at the water management district office in Monterey, Wednesday is at Monterey City Council Chambers and Thursday is at Pacific Grove City Council Chambers. Tuesday, January 15th, the final meeting will be held at Carpenter Hall in Carmel.
