Frequently Asked Questions
The current owners no longer live in Arizona and wish to simplify their lives by reducing their business holdings. They have offered to sell to a local water district. The asking price is $2.7M.
A Water Infrastructure Financing Authority (WIFA) loan through the State of Arizona was approved in June 2021 to purchase SWC and provide some reserves for the “what if’s” or unplanned repairs.
The water company will be sold to another private water company such as EPCOR. These companies fall under the control of the Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC),
A Water District is a subdivision of the county government. Like a small, non-‐profit business, it owns assets but operates to make only enough money to pay for maintenance and improvement as needed. As a non-‐profit it also has access to federal and state grants and loans to make system improvements at very low rates of interest.
A five (5) member Board has oversight of the District. Board members serve on 4-year staggered terms. This Board is elected by the property owners who are members of the Water District and who are qualified electors. The BRDWID Board is under the direct oversight of the Coconino County Board of Supervisors. The BRDWID as a subdivision of the County, falls under the Arizona Open Meeting Law so anyone can attend the meetings and provide feedback to the Board.
No. The Arizona State Department of Water Quality will continue to oversee the quality of our water. The water is tested at least monthly for basic chemicals, and a full water analysis is done once a year. The testing requirements are the same for Private Water Companies and Water Districts.
The current operator has agreed to stay on and train a new operator to be hired by the Water District Board. This employee of the water district would perform the routine maintenance and repairs. Any other maintenance and repair of generators, well pumps, and electrical systems, etc., would continue to be performed by specialty companies.
Yes, as a new Water District, we need to borrow money to purchase the assets of Starlight Water Company (SWC). As a result of repaying the loan and establishing a reserve fund, our base rates would have to increase between $15 and $20 per month. If another private water company should buy SWC, that company would also have to increase rates to cover their acquisition costs and whatever upgrades they deemed necessary plus profit margin.
No, all property owners are treated equally, whether the property has a water meter or not.
Based on the documentation we have seen, we believe some HOA leaders are more comfortable giving the Arizona Corporation Commission oversight of a private company than giving the Coconino County Board of Supervisors oversight of a local Water District Board.
No. The service area is set by the existing infrastructure of SWC. All customers within the service area get the same water and pay the same rates. The Water District boundaries and the water service area can be different, however.
Yes, however most water districts limit their expansion to once a year to control the administrative costs of expanding a district.
Joining a water district should not affect your property values, as either way you still would have access to a reliable supply of quality water. Being in a locally controlled water district may actually improve property values.
There have been instances where a Private Water Company has sold Arizona’s mountain aquifers to other, less productive water service areas. A water district can sell the water in our aquifers but as a non-profit it has very little motivation to do so, because the water district is committed first to its local customers and only services the water service area.
The steering committee group reviewed the books and ledgers of Starlight Water Company (SWC). One of those reviewers was an accountant and did not notice any red flags. SWC has been very open with us and has answered all questions we asked.
Like the current owner (Starlight Water Company), the Water District would have to respond to and fix issues in a timely manner. A reserve fund will be created with the purchase of SWC. The new rate structure and budget for BRDWID will include funding the reserve to a reasonable level to pay for unplanned repairs in the future.
With Board approval, the rates will initially be increased with the purchase and transfer of SWC to BRDWID. Future rate increases would be predicated on expenses. In the first year, BRDWID will be working on longer term strategies and plans for the water system while taking advantage of any efficiencies or cost reductions that do not compromise water quality or availability.
Yes, the water rates and fee structure will be the same whether you are in the Water District or not. Everyone in the service area will be affected by any initial or subsequent rate increases.
Yes. Rate proposals are reviewed during a hearing called for a review of a rate adjustment. Water users can voice their concerns or opinions during this hearing. The BRDWID Board discusses and considers any rate adjustments. If the Board approves any rate changes, it must share the changes with the County BoS who have oversight of the District and Board.
Yes, but as a Water District, we are selling a commodity on a non-profit basis. There is no reason to create a property tax to boost income. If the District needs money for increased expenses or a major improvement, the District will adjust the water rates accordingly. All Board members have expressed their full agreement with this approach. None of the Board members support imposing a property tax on district members.
Yes. Any costs for repairs or replacements to the system will be the responsibility of the Water District after the transfer in October 2021. The new rate structure and planned budgeted reserves will pay for repairs and replacements.
No. The water system relies on feedback from customers to identify issues or concerns and responds accordingly. The water system operator sees every meter every month and recognizes and addresses any issues found during the meter-reading tours.
To view the process of opting in or out of the water district, please click the button below.