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Politics & Government

Ramona Water Board Hears Appeal from Customer

RMWD directors denied a property owner's request for a refund of more than $3,900.

A property owner appealed to the governing board of the Ramona Municipal Water District for help with an outstanding bill. But, as those who have gone before the board at previous meetings, the directors voted to accept staff’s recommendation not to forgive outstanding debts.

George Newman told the board at its Dec. 13 meeting that the water bills at his rental property on Duraznitos Road in Ramona have consistently shown high increases in July and August for the past 12 years. He requested a credit of $3,944.76, equaling the cost of 852 units of water that he calculated was being overcharged from 2000 to 2011.

Newman claimed the amount of water represented could not have been used because there was no evidence of “wet spots” or “ponding” anywhere on the property.

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RMWD General Manager David Barnum told the board that district staff has been to Newman’s property and determined that there is a water leak at the rear of the property, plus a hose bib is left on with water continuously running through it.

Director Kit Kesinger offered to work with Newman to try to determine the cause of the high water usage.

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In other business, a public hearing was declared for adopting an update for the Urban Water Management Plan for 2010. There was no response to the public hearing.

The plan, adopted in 1983, is a state-mandated requirement for water districts with more that 3,000 customers. It also mandates an update be done every five years.

The plan deals with ensuring a long-term water supply for its customers over a 25-year period. The update was prepared by Nolte Vertical Five, of San Diego.

A second public hearing will be set for a future date, at which time the board will opt whether or not to accept the report. Copies of the plan are available at the district office for public review.

Kesinger requested that at a future meeting the board may consider additional options from the district’s consultants, Shepherd & Statts, regarding possible redistricting for the five RMWD divisions.

Population determines the boundaries for the divisions assigned to each of the five directors. Changes may be necessitated by the results of the 2010 federal census.

Kesinger has also asked that the board compare the 2010 figures with those from the census taken in 2000. Director Darrell Beck said he would like to have the opportunity to vote on the consultant’s initial proposal as presented at the Nov. 11 meeting before asking for additional options.

The board also reviewed the district’s current ad hoc committees. Which directors will sit on the committees will be determined at the next board meeting, scheduled to begin 4:30 p.m. Dec. 27 at , 434 Aqua Lane.

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