By Rusty Bradshaw

Independent Newsmedia

The Sun City Home Owners Association appeal of the Arizona Corporation Commission’s decision to consolidate EPCOR Water Co.’s five Northwest Valley wastewater districts continues its course through the courts.

Greg Eisert, SCHOA Governmental Affairs Committee chairman, reported at the Jan. 23 SCHOA board meeting that the agency’s brief was filed and EPCOR officials are now expected to file their answering brief. That is due to be filed in mid-February, he explained.

“There could be other briefs to file after that,” he said.

Sun Cities residents will have an opportunity to provide testimony on an addendum to the wastewater rate case and consolidation decision. EPCOR officials initiated a system improvement benefit program request with the ACC. The SIB will include a surcharge on wastewater bills to fund projected future improvements not already identified in the most recent rate case. Regular wastewater rates reimburse the company for costs already incurred.

Testimony on the SIB will be taken in March.

The ACC will also take public testimony in March on EPCOR’s rate and consolidation request for 11 statewide water districts, including those in the Northwest Valley.

Mr. Eisert reminded SCHOA board members and residents attending the Jan. 23 meeting that ACC seats now held by Doug Little and Tom Forese will expire this year and be filled in the Nov. 6, 2018 gubernatorial election.

“It is important that we elect ACC commissioners that have the logical interest of the community at heart,” he said.

Mr. Eisert hopes a forum for ACC candidates will be scheduled close to the election in Sun City as was done two years ago.

“The attendance at that one was a bit light (600 people), it would be nice to see at least 1,500 residents there, since this is such a big issue in the Sun Cities,” he said.