TOAV to hold special water meeting (April 27, 2015)

Tuesday discussion open to public, will update residents on Ranchos situation

APPLE VALLEY — The Town Council will hold a special meeting Tuesday evening to inform citizens about the possible purchase of the town’s municipal water system that is owned and operated by Apple Valley Ranchos Water Co.

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The special meeting is scheduled at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Town of Apple Valley Conference Center, 14975 Dale Evans Parkway, adjacent to Town Hall.

There’s been a great deal of interest in how the town would proceed to buy Apple Valley Ranchos, Town Manager Frank Robinson said Friday. This town hall meeting will answer many questions about the short- and long-term benefits, about how the town has the skill to operate the water system and how the town can afford to pay for it.

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As part of its evaluation of a potential purchase, the town recently completed a business valuation of the water system. The valuation and related legal matters will be explained in detail the meeting, Apple Valley officials say.

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While the town continues to suggest they can take over Ranchos without raising rates or taxes, they truly do not know, AVR General Manager Tony Penna said Friday. The cost to take over Ranchos will be determined in a contested process through a jury trial.

The Town Council and staff have a history of over-promising. For example, the new well for the golf course, which is being funded by general taxes, is already more than three times over budget and is still not operational.

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Source: Gary Brodeur, Daily Press