By Linda Dean Cooper
On May 7, 2024, during the regular BoCC meeting, County Attorney Shalley presented the staff report as requested by the BoCC, concerning whether the BoCC should be a member of the water cooperative board, AKA Waccasassa Water Authority & Wastewater Cooperative. In a nutshell, the staff opinion is no “Given the flood-prone nature and hurricane vulnerability of this area, as well as the low density, expanding utilities, which will lead to further development, does not seem fiscally or environmentally responsible.”
The clear and concise 25-page staff report plainly explains why the opinion is a NO to the county joining the water authority. (see PDF file at bottom of page for details)
Attorney Shalley explained that the presentation was a collaborative effort by county staff regarding a request to appoint a board member to the Waccasassa Water Authority.
She said, “The first thing we always like to start with this is how we get there. If you’ll remember, in late 2022 this board was approached with some discussion about whether to be involved with the cooperative at the time of its formation, if it was funded. There had been a study done by the Water Management District by a consultant, and they were sort of investigating the feasibility of a project and what it would take to get it put together at that time. The board, after receiving a couple of memos and having public discussions at two meetings, you decided to send a letter of support for the project but not join the cooperative at that time.”
“In June of 2023, the cooperative was created as a separate legal entity by Interlocal agreement between the Town of Bronson, the Town of Otter Creek, and the Cedar Key Water and Sewer District. In January of this year, the cooperative Board discussed extending the board to include a representative from the Levy County Commission, as well as the Levy County School Board in March, the county coordinator presented an item to you all to consider this request as a board member and you all requested that staff return with further information. So that’s why we’re here today.” Said Shalley
Shalley explained in simple, explicit details why the staff’s opinion was not in favor of joining the water authority. Commissioners and cousins John and Rock Meeks spoke at length arguing why they felt the BoCC should join the water/wastewater authority. Commissioners Matt Brooks, Tim Hodge, and Chairwoman Desiree Mills showed no interest in joining the water/wastewater authority and said they do not want to be in the utility business.
The county was forced to take over when two private water companies, University Oaks and Manatee, when those private companies folded leaving the county responsible for operating the water systems at a loss every year.
There was no action taken on this agenda item. It was up for discussion only. But be prepared for Commissioners John and Rock Meeks along with Bronson Mayor Robert Partin to continue to push to get the county on the hook for this expensive, losing proposition that favors only a select few citizens of Levy.
Take the time to read the report so you are informed and hold the county commissioners responsible for their actions before they commit taxpayer money for decades and more, with no benefit to most of the county.
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Posted May 20, 2024
