San Diego Water Authority Ends Lawsuit, Continues Negotiations
Tensions appear to be easing between the San Diego County Water Authority and the communities seeking to separate from it. Two small farming communities in North County have survived a second round of legal battles initiated by the Water Authority to prevent their departure from the regional water supplier. The fact that the Water Authority board has chosen not to sue signifies a potential breakthrough in the ongoing negotiations to convince these communities to remain with the authority.
Here’s what transpired: On Thursday, the Water Authority’s governing board convened a closed session to deliberate over suing the San Diego Local Agency Formation Commission for approving the communities’ divorce. However, the board concluded the session without taking any action, indicating they either lacked the necessary votes or the interest from the 24 member water districts to pursue the legal route.
Why are these communities seeking independence? Rainbow Municipal Water District and Fallbrook Public Utilities District are opting for separation to secure a more affordable water supply, intending to establish relationships with Riverside instead. The final step for them to achieve this is a vote among their respective ratepayers.
But there’s a potential hurdle: A bill currently hurriedly progressing through the state Legislature may disrupt this process. Assemblymember Tasha Boerner, a Democrat representing Encinitas, is spearheading the bill, backed by the city of San Diego. If passed, it would mandate a county-wide vote on the separation, effectively derailing Rainbow and Fallbrook’s departure plans.
Rainbow’s general manager, Tom Kennedy, has likened the bill to having a gun pointed at your head at the negotiation table. He insists that in order for constructive negotiations to continue, the bill, known as AB 399, must be withdrawn.
In conclusion, the San Diego Water Authority has decided against pursuing a lawsuit to halt the departure of two farming communities seeking more affordable water options. Negotiations between the parties involved remain ongoing, with the potential impact of a state legislative bill looming over the process. As the discussions continue, the outcome and future of Rainbow Municipal Water District and Fallbrook Public Utilities District remain uncertain.
