Eagle Point Irrigation sets budget for 2012
EPID Board members set the 2012 budget at their meeting on November 22. They have adopted modest increases in employee payroll and also O & M charges for the coming year.
It was noted that 2011 was an excellent year for hydro generation, one of the factors for keeping patron’s costs to a minimum. During the year, the District powerhouse generated some 3.6 million Kwh through their one megawatt generator on Nichols branch. EPID has a contract with the power company though the year 2021, which both guarantees that Pacificorp will buy the power and at a rate that increases yearly.
The O & M rate will increase by $1.00 beginning the first of the year, making the rate $35/acre. The Board has said they would rather take a little increase every year or two, rather than a large chunk all at once.
Costs of the main canal repair following the break on October 2, came in at approximately $70,000, far below original estimates. Manager David Ford said that a portion of that amount should be credited to normal canal maintenance, which was done while they had crews there, and was not from the break itself. Further repairs are scheduled on different portions of the canal after irrigation season is completed next October.
President Gary Bedell said he was pleased that the budget was balanced and that staff had kept costs down to the benefit of patrons.
Immediately following the Budget meeting the board went into session on the regular meeting. Manager Dave Ford reported that repairs to the hydro facility had been completed and the power station should be in good shape for another three years, barring any unforeseen circumstances. There was no October power generation while canal repairs were being completed, so the District started generating power about one week later than last year.
Lake levels have been steady at 7320 af and early rains have not changed that appreciably. Big Butte Creek is holding and the district is not having to pump from North fork to fill the canal. The canal is currently running at approx 95 cfs, near capacity.
On the budget, the Board voted to grant a 2.5% wage increase to staff, employ additional part-time office staff, purchase a newer pickup and fuel tanks that will allow the purchase of fuel at wholesale rather than retail rate.
Attorney Bill Mansfield express concern about a letter received from the local DEQ office concerning the canal break. While at first the letter was somewhat accusatory of the district, attempting to fix blame and demanding that certain measures be taken to come into compliance. Later in the letter, Mr. Meier seemed to absolved the district of responsibility. Mansfield said he would contact their office to invite Mr. Meier to a meeting to establish communication and encourage cooperation.
The next regularly scheduled Board meeting is set for December 13 at the office on Brophy Road beginning at 2:30 p. m. All patrons are encouraged to attend.
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