Amador County – Facing a shortage of cash and a nearly $2 million budget hole, the Amador Water Agency board of directors on Thursday discussed some solutions and heard some comments from staff. The agency head from an attorney for its field employees’ union, Mark Johnson, who said they see the AWA as a family. He said they are concerned and are “willing to come to the table to discuss what needs to happen” and “to discuss all of the issues.” He said they “probably should have started” the talks “a while ago.” The AWA Employee Association President, who identified himself as Damon, said he had been in concession bargaining discussions with General Manager Gene Mancebo and employee representative Karen Gish. Damon said he took offense to a remark someone said earlier that they “haven’t seen any blood from employees.” He said this year and last year, the field maintenance employees are down by 11 employees. He said they must maintain the same infrastructure with fewer people. He said the agency is down 20 people total, including temps, “so we’ve picked up the burden of all that extra work.” Now they must talk about salary and benefit cuts. President Bill Condrashoff said hundreds of “conditional will-serves” worth $10,000 apiece have been put out to developers around the county at no charge, and claiming those fees could bring in millions of dollars. Information Technology Manager Mitch Netto said computer system upgrades are just like other neglected agency operations and maintenance, and could run higher in years to come, without small-piece replacements, it could lead to a need for a “full refresh.” Netto suggested they consolidate under a new company, dissolve the Amador Water System, and open a new company, the Amador Water Service. He said all customers across the agency would have “one combined service, and pay one rate.” Once closed, they could “reinstitute” all “conditional will-serve,” and make the will-serve holders meet new requirements and conditions, including the new up-front fee payments. Netto said it “stabilizes everybody down the line.” He said AWS is $2 million in the hole, and “most companies would close their doors at that point.” President Bill Condrashoff said it was an interesting idea which they should run by their attorney. Martell Resident Ken Berry said: “I’m going to fight that tooth and nail,” because the Gravity Supply Line “is your problem.” The board went into closed session at 1 p.m. Thursday to discuss a lawsuit by Berry against the agency. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. -
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Amador County – Facing a shortage of cash and a nearly $2 million budget hole, the Amador Water Agency board of directors on Thursday discussed some solutions and heard some comments from staff. The agency head from an attorney for its field employees’ union, Mark Johnson, who said they see the AWA as a family. He said they are concerned and are “willing to come to the table to discuss what needs to happen” and “to discuss all of the issues.” He said they “probably should have started” the talks “a while ago.” The AWA Employee Association President, who identified himself as Damon, said he had been in concession bargaining discussions with General Manager Gene Mancebo and employee representative Karen Gish. Damon said he took offense to a remark someone said earlier that they “haven’t seen any blood from employees.” He said this year and last year, the field maintenance employees are down by 11 employees. He said they must maintain the same infrastructure with fewer people. He said the agency is down 20 people total, including temps, “so we’ve picked up the burden of all that extra work.” Now they must talk about salary and benefit cuts. President Bill Condrashoff said hundreds of “conditional will-serves” worth $10,000 apiece have been put out to developers around the county at no charge, and claiming those fees could bring in millions of dollars. Information Technology Manager Mitch Netto said computer system upgrades are just like other neglected agency operations and maintenance, and could run higher in years to come, without small-piece replacements, it could lead to a need for a “full refresh.” Netto suggested they consolidate under a new company, dissolve the Amador Water System, and open a new company, the Amador Water Service. He said all customers across the agency would have “one combined service, and pay one rate.” Once closed, they could “reinstitute” all “conditional will-serve,” and make the will-serve holders meet new requirements and conditions, including the new up-front fee payments. Netto said it “stabilizes everybody down the line.” He said AWS is $2 million in the hole, and “most companies would close their doors at that point.” President Bill Condrashoff said it was an interesting idea which they should run by their attorney. Martell Resident Ken Berry said: “I’m going to fight that tooth and nail,” because the Gravity Supply Line “is your problem.” The board went into closed session at 1 p.m. Thursday to discuss a lawsuit by Berry against the agency. Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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