Once again, the next step is up to the Rio Linda water district board -- and the question is whether it will act responsibly.
Wednesday evening, the Sacramento Local Agency Formation Commission voted to urge the board to accept temporary managerial help - most likely from the Sacramento Suburban Water District - to get the district's finances in order.
It was a small, but necessary move.
The district is under a state public health order to improve its system, but its financial condition is precarious. A recent independent audit raised the question whether it can survive. The new board is proposing a rate increase to obtain a $7.5 million state loan to build three new wells.
Meanwhile, there are allegations of misuse of public money and an investigation by the Sacramento County District Attorney's office, as well as continued infighting on the district board, after voters elected a new majority of three members in November.
LAFCO has oversight over the district, but says its control is limited without another public agency willing to take over the district. With all the financial uncertainty, everyone is extremely wary of getting involved.
Until there's a resolution, the 15,000 residents who rely on the district for drinking water and water for fire protection don't have a guarantee of adequate service.
About Comments
Reader comments on Sacbee.com are the opinions of the writer, not The Sacramento Bee. If you see an objectionable comment, click the "report abuse" button below it. We will delete comments containing inappropriate links, obscenities, hate speech, and personal attacks. Flagrant or repeat violators will be banned. See more about comments here.