The Oct. 11 meeting of the Holbrook City Council drew a large turnout, with many Holbrook citizens and students from the Native American Christian Academy (NACA) from Sun Valley in attendance.
Several of those on hand were present to talk about the proposal to raise the water rates for residents of Holbrook and those living outside city limits.
The proposal being considered by the council is to raise rates within the city 50 cents per 1,000 gallons and water rates outside city limits by $1.50 per 1,000 gallons.
In response to that proposal, John Burnham of NACA, along with students, spoke before the council and made a presentation in regards to the water rate hike, which is proposed to almost double the rate for Sun Valley residents.
During their presentation, it was stated that Sun Valley did in fact have a rate hike in September 2011, contradicting what had been stated previously by city administration, who noted that there had been no increases since 2004. It was also noted that the proposal would increase the Sun Valley water rates 85.7 percent. “Thirteen percent would be 23 cents, not a raise of $1.50,” said one student. “That is not the 13 percent raise that was proposed.”
The students also described the water conditions at their school, including sporadic water pressure, which causes sediments to enter the water and turn it brown. “I challenge the city council to tell me if you would put up with the same water coming into your showers on a regular basis,” said a student.
Another student said that a very expensive water system is required to make the water drinkable and only one is located on their campus in the cafeteria due to the cost. “It is very inconvenient,” said the student, “but at present it is the only way we can be guaranteed good, clean, healthy water to drink.”
The students asked the council to not increase the water rates as proposed, so that their funds can be used to purchase a filtration system. “Rather than devoting all our money to your budget deficit, we propose that you treat us like Holbrook citizens,” said one student. “We will be pleased to pay a 13 percent raise as proposed.”
Burnham then presented the board with a gallon of brown tinged water. “This is the water today taken out of one of our dorms.” He showed the board a white shirt that was washed using Sun Valley water, which was also tinged brown. He offered to pour the council a glass of the water to drink, and several council members tried it.
“I drink this water and I have been drinking this water, but I wouldn’t give it to my kids,” stated Councilman Earl Kester.
NACA administrator Kris Miller said that by doubling Sun Valley’s rates the city would not be abiding by the agreement for sale written in 2003. That agreement, approved by the council at that time, stated that the city would provide city water to Sun Valley within five years and a well, neither of which has been done.
Randy Murph, who lives in Perkins Valley, also spoke against the increased water rates for those living outside city limits. “I believe that the five years is long passed gone since the city obligation was mentioned to provide them with city water,” he said in reference to the water agreement with Sun Valley. “It’s clear that the city hasn’t met their obligation.” He asked the council to please consider those who do not live within city limits and not make such extreme changes as discussed.
The item pertaining to water rate increases was tabled so that legal council could review the matter and it can be discussed at a later date.
