May 20, 2024
The SLV Water District Rate Hike: What Happened and Why?
"We do not want to end up in the predicament faced by Big Basin Water Company customers."
What the Press Says
The Press Banner, Santa Cruz Local, Santa Cruz Mountain Bulletin, Santa Cruz Sentinel, and SLV Post all agree: No on U.
May 20, 2024
The SLV Water District Rate Hike: What Happened and Why?
"We do not want to end up in the predicament faced by Big Basin Water Company customers."
August 17th, 2024
SLV Voters Face a Water District Rate Initiative this Fall
"$7.7 Million Loss: If the ballot initiative passes and rates revert to previous levels, the Water District could lose at least $7.7 million in revenue needed to pay its ongoing costs over the next few years. This would be unsustainable and could severely impact the quality and reliability of water services."
September 5, 2024
Measure U would reduce San Lorenzo Valley Water bills, but could slow repairs
"If Measure U is adopted, repairs and maintenance could be severely reduced or halted and the water supply could be more vulnerable to future natural disasters, said Hill, the board president. Even without future damage, much of the district’s infrastructure needs to be repaired or replaced, he said. Damaged water pipes have caused recent floods in downtown Boulder Creek and in front of Boulder Creek Elementary School."
September 13, 2024
"Measure U would not only greatly increase the District’s exposure to potential insolvency, but it would also compound the problems the District is already experiencing in attracting qualified Staff and Board members."
October 5, 2024
The Story Behind Measure U: Even a Water District Must Pay Its Bills
"This new rate structure would not only allow the District to repair fire and storm damage but also replace under-sized and leaking mains, increase water storage, and improve system-wide reliability for emergencies like another fire. "
October 10, 2024
No on San Lorenzo Valley water’s Measure U; Yes on Scotts Valley business tax Measure X
"But, we also felt that water users such as the San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District will see costs rise dramatically should U pass. In addition, the district needs a reliable source of funding for needed repairs.
For those reasons, we recommend a No vote on Measure U."
October 10, 2024
Invest in a Healthy Future for SLV Water by Rejecting Measure U
"Let’s invest in a healthy future for SLV Water by electing board members who want to strengthen the District rather than dismantle it, and by rejecting a measure that would harm its budget. Facing our own fiscal challenges, the County will not be in the position to rescue SLV Water from financial ruin or state regulators taking action against deficit-driven compliance failures. We’d rather partner with the District to create a bright future focused on resilience, responsibility and strong relationships with our Valley neighbors."
-Supervisor Bruce McPherson