A meeting of the Charles Town Utility Board (CTUB) Wednesday drew several members of the public poised to give comment on an agenda item before the board, The Journal reports. Representatives from West Virginia American Water (WVAW) were scheduled to offer a presentation on possible partnership opportunities, as well as potential for a purchase of some or all of CTUB assets.
Awareness of the agenda item came about when, at the Aug. 5 Charles Town City Council meeting, it was determined that a meeting, dubbed “secret” by at least one council member, between CTUB manager Kristin Stolipher and Mayor Bob Trainor had occurred with individuals from WVAW. Several council members were less than pleased that such a meeting had occurred without City Manager John Nissel’s involvement as he serves as their liaison to the council. “It was inappropriate to have the meeting without him,” Councilmember Priscilla Rodd stated at the city council’s gathering.
Stolipher then explained that representatives from WVAW had requested to be on the CTUB agenda for Aug. 14. In a letter requesting that spot on the agenda, Brooks H. Crislip, director of business development with WVAW, made it clear that the company would present an offer for purchase.
During the presentation to CTUB, Crislip spoke solely about wastewater and how WVAW could potentially help CTUB. He gave many statistics regarding costs of services and spoke a bit to cost of upgrades. He referenced that private companies, such as WVAW, have a quicker access to capital than do private entities. He also pointed out that they have a single statewide tariff, which he added, could be a help or a hindrance.
Crislip said that WVAW could assist CTUB in a variety of ways, either as a partner or by taking over the utility. To that end, he presented a slide listing “benefits to Charles Town” that included the ability for the city to put money it would normally spend on the utility to other uses because American Water would pay all debt.
The list also included a point that WVAW offers employment to utility staff, helping municipalities or counties to streamline operations. In addition, the list added that previously untaxed publicly owned assets become taxable privately-owned assets, thereby adding to the city’s tax base.
Following the WVAW presentation, members of the CTUB board spoke up, with none of those in attendance favoring a partnership or a sale. Board member Heidi Parker said:
“I do not actually believe you are doing it for the people. It’s for profit, and I feel the government does a better job.”
Board member Tommy Stocks also expressed his opinion, saying:
“I will not go along with any part of it. We get stuck with the bill.”
Nissel, who was not included in the meeting with Stolipher, Trainor and WVAW representatives, came prepared with a written statement opposing any discussion on a sale of the Charles Town Utility Board. He stated:
“With respect to the issue of any potential discussion surrounding the sale of CTUB to West Virginia American Water, I want the record to reflect that I am vehemently opposed to any sale/partnership or like arrangements. I would like to remind our ratepayers and county residents that our mission is to provide reliable water and sewer services that protect public health and the environment with financial accountability, regional stewardship and superior customer service. I am not interested, nor will I entertain any three-stage approach brought forward by West Virginia American Water to share documents, evaluate our system, which includes a rate impact study, or discuss an asset purchase agreement.”
Members of the public spoke following the board’s response, each echoing opposition to any sale to WVAW. Several individuals also spoke to the “secret” meeting, stressing that said meeting should never have taken place.
Councilmember Julie Philabaum concluded:
“I am glad you all said, ‘No, thank you. It was foolish to even entertain this. We have damaged the public trust by putting this on the agenda. Read the room better next time.”
