Regarding your editorial about San Benito Foods, I would agree
that the company should pay its fair share of the sewer treatment
bill.
However, based on the City of Hollister’s egregious utility
management record, the fault is more likely that of the city’s
rather than the cannery.
Dear Editor:
Regarding your editorial about San Benito Foods, I would agree that the company should pay its fair share of the sewer treatment bill.
However, based on the City of Hollister’s egregious utility management record, the fault is more likely that of the city’s rather than the cannery.
This debacle is just one more example of Hollister’s water and sewer department problems, including several citations issued by the Department of Health Services and the State Water Resources Control Board.
The SWRCB citations, incidentally, pre-date the infamous 15-million gallon treated sewage spill into the San Benito River in May of last year. The spill resulted in a $1.2-million fine issued by the SWRCB.
Fortunately, the City of Hollister is now under new management. Due to the competence of Dale Shaddox, the issue was brought to light and coincidental that the present utility manager is leaving without being replaced.
City Manager Shaddox has his work cut out for him and Hollister will become a better place to live as a result of his efforts.
San Benito Foods will no doubt pay its fair share for its operational expenses, but the burden of proof is on the City of Hollister to justify its accounting policy.
Mike Smith
Hollister
