From Jim Stalker
Creston
Regarding the Dec. 12 article, “Water board explores water main project.” Without a Community Development Block Grant, the cost to fix Creston’s water main could cost $5.2 million.
In the business section of the same issue, “SIRWA receives one of 10 USDA Rural Development Investments.” From this story, SIRWA is receiving $22 million to build its own water system.
Two seemingly unrelated stories at the same time in the same issue. I can understand Creston’s water main problem and plans have been made to repair it.
SIRWA’s attack to build a new water treatment system seems like a big misunderstanding. Rumor has it that this is all about a rate complaint. If that is true, both parties should work it out peacefully. As for SIRWA’s attempt to build its own system or buy us out, it is my understanding that Creston owns it’s own system and it is not for sale nor should it be. Creston spent quite a bit for its water treatment plant and 12 Mile Lake belongs to Creston. We should not allow an unfriendly takeover.
If Creston loses it’s water works, be ready for excess charges to us in the form of increased rates by the new owner. Or so goes the rumors.