The need for alternative water sources arose this past summer
when a drought occurred and residents of Stonegate had to reduce
their water consumption. It included a ban on watering lawns and
landscaping. The well will serve Stonegate residents water for both
drinking and agricultural use.
HOLLISTER
At the county board meeting on Tuesday, supervisors held a public hearing regarding on the fees for County Service Area 31 – the Stonegate subdivision. The board took action to raise the fees for Stonegate and build a new well and pipeline to supply residents with potable water.
“We moved ahead with the water part of it,” said County Administrative Officer Susan Thompson. “We had a minority protest and the board went ahead and proceeded with the plan.”
The need for alternative water sources arose this past summer when a drought occurred and residents of Stonegate had to reduce their water consumption. It included a ban on watering lawns and landscaping. The well will serve Stonegate residents water for both drinking and agricultural use.
After residents spoke to the board voicing their support or dismay for the potential increased fees and the new water source, supervisors tabulated the protest letters. For the action to be defeated, a majority of Stonegate property owners needed to send letters to the board.
Only seven were received – a minority protest – and the board carried a motion to consider the protest letters and adopt the new fee schedule.
Thompson said the county’s action on this item was accelerated due to the importance of providing water to the Stonegate residents.
Now that the Proposition 218 process is complete for the well issue at Stonegate, the county’s No. 1 priority, a new one will begin for storm drainage. This process will be done by a mail-in ballot with tabulation occurring on June 24. Residents will have the option of either increasing fees for storm drainage services or looking at a reduction of that service.
This process is the first in the evaluations of services for all CSAs.
