Amador County – The Amador Water Agency board discussed its $36,000 dollar share of the Upper Mokelumne River Watershed Authority 2010 budget Thursday, and declined to pay it, seeking information instead. Director Debbie Dunn asked why staff waited until the day before the JPA votes on its budget to put the decision before AWA. Engineering Manager Gene Mancebo said they only received the UMRWA agenda and draft budget last week. Director Don Cooper asked about a treasurer report of professional, consultant and engineering expenditures of $1.2 million dollars, spent since UMRWA’s “inception.” He said “What did we really get for $1.2 million dollars.” Funding to date included $1.4 million in total spending, with a total contribution by the AWA of $37,000 dollars. East Bay MUD paid $434,000, and the JPA has received $937,000 dollars in state grants. Mancebo said East Bay MUD did a “very comprehensive watershed study,” including looking at fisheries and gathering data. He said it’s something “we’re on the edge of,” and they can ask for presentation materials. Cooper asked for material, saying he didn’t “need it agendized, but (he) would like to get up to speed.” Dunn said she contacted Upper Moke Executive Officer Rob Alcott 6 months ago and has the “book” at home. She said “they continue to update it for free,” but the “problem is no one is using it.” She said AWA should be using the information, which it helped fund. AWA Chairman Terence Moore said “it is totally appropriate to ask Rob to come here. You need to know the benefits of having that board.” He said: “It’s the only public agency authority on that river” and was “born of a war” over water rights. Moore said “at one time, the counties did not have membership, even though Amador County was the lead agency” in its formation. Finance Manager Mike Lee said UMRWA is a “good umbrella” and increases chances for grants and funding with regional partnership. Mancebo said the JPA’s participation in an Integrated Regional Water Management Plan and grants was required to be eligible for some funding. He said “all the entities being on this list will help.” Mancebo said leak testing could help the AWA to find water losses of up to 7 to 9 percent of water the Tanner Plant. Dunn said: “I know nothing about something I’m being asked to approve.” Moore said “if we don’t think this benefits the entire county, we shouldn’t participate.” 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 – The Amador Water Agency board discussed its $36,000 dollar share of the Upper Mokelumne River Watershed Authority 2010 budget Thursday, and declined to pay it, seeking information instead. Director Debbie Dunn asked why staff waited until the day before the JPA votes on its budget to put the decision before AWA. Engineering Manager Gene Mancebo said they only received the UMRWA agenda and draft budget last week. Director Don Cooper asked about a treasurer report of professional, consultant and engineering expenditures of $1.2 million dollars, spent since UMRWA’s “inception.” He said “What did we really get for $1.2 million dollars.” Funding to date included $1.4 million in total spending, with a total contribution by the AWA of $37,000 dollars. East Bay MUD paid $434,000, and the JPA has received $937,000 dollars in state grants. Mancebo said East Bay MUD did a “very comprehensive watershed study,” including looking at fisheries and gathering data. He said it’s something “we’re on the edge of,” and they can ask for presentation materials. Cooper asked for material, saying he didn’t “need it agendized, but (he) would like to get up to speed.” Dunn said she contacted Upper Moke Executive Officer Rob Alcott 6 months ago and has the “book” at home. She said “they continue to update it for free,” but the “problem is no one is using it.” She said AWA should be using the information, which it helped fund. AWA Chairman Terence Moore said “it is totally appropriate to ask Rob to come here. You need to know the benefits of having that board.” He said: “It’s the only public agency authority on that river” and was “born of a war” over water rights. Moore said “at one time, the counties did not have membership, even though Amador County was the lead agency” in its formation. Finance Manager Mike Lee said UMRWA is a “good umbrella” and increases chances for grants and funding with regional partnership. Mancebo said the JPA’s participation in an Integrated Regional Water Management Plan and grants was required to be eligible for some funding. He said “all the entities being on this list will help.” Mancebo said leak testing could help the AWA to find water losses of up to 7 to 9 percent of water the Tanner Plant. Dunn said: “I know nothing about something I’m being asked to approve.” Moore said “if we don’t think this benefits the entire county, we shouldn’t participate.” Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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