Tuesday, 11 May 2010 06:55

AWA Approves Rate Increase for Central Amador

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slide2-awa_approves_rate_increase_for_central_amador.pngAmador County – The Amador Water Agency board of directors in a special meeting late last month approved a new rate and financial plan in the Upcountry water system. The board also made its new General Manager an official position, when Gene Mancebo accepted the job offer. The agency board still must negotiate a contract with Mancebo. The board approved a financial plan and rate study for the Central Amador Water Project retail system that proposes an increase in water rates for the system’s 2,630 customers. The board approved rate increases of 7.5 percent beginning next fiscal year (2010-2011). Mancebo said it is “about $4.10 more per month for the average CAWP Retail customer.” The rates will go up another 7 percent in the second and third years of the 3-year financial plan ending in 2013. Mancebo said the “last time CAWP retail rates were adjusted was in 2006.” The rate increase was needed due to “increased operating and maintenance costs, including escalating electricity expenses to run CAWP pumps.” Also attributed to the need was repayment of an $850,000 internal loan,” which would be paid “over 30 years with the first annual payment estimated at $38,000.” CAWP retail also needed to pay its “share of the Gravity Supply Line project.” CAWP retail customers will receive a Proposition 218 notice that tells about the rate increase and also details the public’s ability to protests utility rate increases. A copy of the financial plan will be available at www.amadorwater.org, the agency’s website. It will also be available for review at the AWA office on Ridge Road. Also in the special meeting at the end of April, Mancebo ended 7 months as Interim General Manager of the agency by accepting the full General Manager position. Terms of his contract will be worked out in the next few weeks by the personnel committee, then brought to the full board for approval. Mancebo said he was “excited to be given the opportunity to move the agency forward.” He said the AWA “is facing substantial financial challenges” and he is “looking forward to meeting those challenges head-on.” Mancebo took over as interim general manager in September when past G.M. Jim Abercrombie stepped down to head the El Dorado Irrigation District last September. On April 22nd, AWA directors unanimously voted to offer Mancebo the post. Mancebo has been with AWA for 22 years, including 17 years in charge of the engineering department. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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