Special Districts--Corrections Along With the Challenges in Consolidation

The stories on potential water district mergers (“Water Districts’ Merger Talk Could Rattle Whole State” and “Little-Known Special Districts Cater to Variety of Needs,” Oct. 26) contained some factual errors we would like to correct.

The table, “Water Districts Everywhere,” overstated by $16,000 projected expenditures (of $48,000) by the Tri-Cities Municipal Water Districts for director expenses.

Additionally, the article reported the salary for a part-time administrative assistant, when in fact the budget item reflects contracted management services to support the (also part-time) general manager function of the district.

Tri-Cities is part-owner, operator and manager of the two transmission lines bringing water to south Orange County from central Orange County. As with many special districts, Tri-Cities was formed by voter election to fill a specific need since no existing agency could perform the function.

Tri-Cities is a small district with five elected board members and only five employees. Contracted management services save the district the expenses associated with full-time management employees (benefits, workers’ compensation, etc.)

During the year’s budget deliberations, the Tri-Cities board of directors made major cuts in director-related expenses. The figures reported in the story did not reflect the adopted budget for the coming year.

While it is true that there may be opportunities for consolidation of special districts, it is important that we plan for the area’s water future with great diligence. Tri-Cities looks forward to meeting this challenge for south Orange County.

JIM LAWSON

President, Board of Directors

Tri-Cities Municipal Water District, San Clemente