CAMARILLO : Water District Says No to Merger Advice

Camrosa Water District officials have rejected a grand jury’s recommendation that they explore consolidating operations with the city of Camarillo’s water department.

Camrosa provides water and sewer services to 25,000 residents and 8,200 agricultural customers in Camarillo and the Santa Rosa Valley.

The city serves those Camarillo residents who are not in Camrosa’s service area.

The annual report of the 1991-92 grand jury, issued July 1, said merging some services might result in a more efficient and economical operation.

But in a response dated Aug. 13, Camrosa board President Jeffrey C. Brown said the report has “created an issue without foundation and only succeeded in straining the relationship between the city of Camarillo and Camrosa.”

The response, required by law, was sent to Ventura County Superior Court Judge Steven Z. Perren.

As presiding judge, Perren oversees the grand jury.

Brown’s letter said the report contained “biased opinions, critical omissions and inaccuracies.”

The grand jury recommendation is “based solely on input from individuals and agencies who have an interest in the resources of Camrosa’s customers,” Brown wrote

Camrosa General Manager Richard Hajas said Brown was referring to the city of Camarillo.

“I don’t think it’s a secret,” Hajas said. “We have tax revenue from our service area. . . . The revenues for service and capital connection charges . . . would all go to someone else if they provide the service.”

Hajas said it appears that the grand jury made its recommendations based on studies done in 1972 and 1976.

In 1977, the city and Camrosa signed an agreement defining areas where each would provide services.

The city is required to send a response to the grand jury. The council will discuss the issue at a Utilities Committee meeting this week, City Manager William Little said.