Water Privatization Talks Shut Off
Though plans to lease the city’s water system were considered dead after the November municipal election, the City Council has made it official.
“It’s time we move on,” Mayor Frank G. Fry said. “I feel we’ve done all the looking at privatization that we can do.”
For about six months last year, city officials solicited proposals from private companies interested in leasing and operating the water system. That would have been an alternative to raising residential water rates for $20 million in upgrades.
But the plan proved to be controversial, and during the election campaigns, Fry and newly-elected Councilwoman Joy L. Neguebauer stated their strong opposition. Councilwoman Margie L. Rice is also opposed to privatization.
This week, the three voted to end discussions about privatization of the water system and return outstanding deposits from companies. Council members Tony Lam and Margaret Shillington were opposed, saying that officials may want to keep all options open.
--BY KIMBERLY BROWER, DEBRA CANO AND JOHN POPE
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