Upland Water Company Faces Criticism

 

A dramatic rate increase of water fees from San Antonio Water Co. which occurred in spring of 2003 has still left a trail of concern among residents and local activists in the San Antonio Heights area.              Ken McNeil, a former board member and current shareholder of San Antonio Water Co., has sought after detailed records from the water facility. McNeil has suggested the hike in fees may be due to negligence, but is seeking out the records hoping they will indicate any justification for the increase.

 

According to Ray Wellington, general manager of San Antonio Water Co., since McNeil is a shareholder, he has access to any documentation he prefers to review.

 

“This doesn’t make sense to me. He’s been a shareholder and he still has involvement with the company,” said Wellington.

 

McNeil could not be reached for comment.

 

In contrast, Wellington defended San Antonio Water Co. denying access to such files in an article published by the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin on Nov 2. of last year. According to the report, Wellington defended the decision saying it was a risk to the residents’ “confidentiality as well as security.”

 

In addition, Wellington denied any notion of negligence on the part of the water company’s operators. He said the rate increase was a result of a drought in the area extending into the Ontario area – an issue that needed to be mitigated swiftly, though at the cost of residents.

 

“I haven’t heard anything lately – no complaints. This is kind of new to me,” said Wellington.  Since May of 2002, San Antonio Water Co. has been involved in pending litigation following a lawsuit filed by the organization called the California First Amendment Coalition (CFAC) and Richard McKee, a local activist.

 

A decision was to expected to be made by the state appellate court after their suit was rejected with another court.

 

The group argues that the city of Upland owns more than 60 percent of San Antonio Water Co.,  so there should be public meetings held, post agendas and create public records.

 

Members of the San Antonio Heights Homeowner’s Association had threatened such a lawsuit in conjunction with the CFAC if their requests were not met, in addition to action being taken regarding their discontent over the election of several of San Antonio Water Co.’s board members.

 

A decision on the matter, anticipated by the state’s appellate court, has been delayed since November.