Scotts Valley's water system faces an important transition. Scotts Valley is experiencing significant housing development and planning for additional growth, which means we need to understand how future population and water demand will affect our system.

The District has already completed important infrastructure work, including the resealing of its Glenwood and Southwood storage tanks and are in development of the Grace Way production well. I want to make sure we continue making these investments before infrastructure reaches a crisis point.

My goal is simple: Scotts Valley should have a water system that is reliable not just today, but for the next generation.

Reliable water requires investment. The District is currently pursuing a Proposition 218 process for a proposed rate increase intended to fund aging infrastructure, future capital improvement projects, and ongoing operations and maintenance. Under the proposal announced in July 2026, the median household's monthly bill would increase by approximately $7.61 based on 3,600 gallons of monthly use.

I believe rate increases should never be taken lightly. At the same time, underinvesting in infrastructure simply moves the bill into the future, often at a much higher cost.

Good fiscal management is about making smart investments, planning ahead, and ensuring today's ratepayers aren't left paying for yesterday's deferred maintenance.

Our community depends on the Santa Margarita Groundwater Basin, and protecting that resource requires responsible management, conservation, and long-term planning. The District reports that conservation has substantially reduced potable demand and helped groundwater levels stabilize, while recycled water continues to reduce demand for potable water.

Climate change presents a particular challenge because hotter conditions can increase water demand while potentially reducing groundwater recharge and making droughts more severe.

With good stewardship, we don't have to choose between environmental protection and a reliable water system.

Water may be one of the most important services a local government provides, but many residents don't think about their water system until something goes wrong or their bill increases.

The Water District should make it easy for residents to understand where their money is going, what projects are being planned, what challenges the District faces, and how today's decisions will affect Scotts Valley's future.

Transparency is about earning the public's trust, and as Director it'll be my goal to make sure that residents don't have to be experts in water policy to understand how their Water District is being managed.