Irrigation districts

I think the Mayor should be commended for raising this issue and recognizing there may be a better way of delivering water through the region at a reasonable cost to us all. 

I find it interesting how quickly the heads of the irrigation districts got together to try to quash any discussion of another option. Why? Maybe they are not interested in looking for other options but simply to protect their jobs. 

The system as it stands today is broken and the peace meal approach that is taking place simply isn’t working. 

I live in SEKID's territory. Toby Pike and the board put forward a proposal that was ridiculously expensive and it was rejected by the residence in a vote. They rejigged the proposal and approved it without a vote. They had a couple of town halls but that was nothing more than to allow them to say they consulted. 

For years SEKID has been telling us they are pursuing funding from senior levels of government but nothing ever happens. As it stands now, the residents are on the hook for the total costs. During the “consultation process”, I asked SEKID’s to provide me with detailed financial projections for this proposal going out 5-10 years to see what the implications might be for the rate payers 5-10 years from now. Toby’s reply to my request for detailed financial projections was, “the $20 per month water levy begins July 1, 2015”.

I hope the Mayor doesn’t give up simply because those with self interest are trying to put the brakes on a worthwhile discussion.

Brien Rodger