TFTT Report

Since 1927, California Water Service Co. has provided residents of Visalia, Calif., with safe, reliable and high-quality water. Nevertheless, the City of Visalia recently requested an appraisal of the water system in what is believed to be the first step in an attempt at takeover by eminent domain.

In an editorial in the Visalia Times-Delta, Visalia Mayor Steve Nelsen suggested that once an appraisal of the water system is complete, the city council will decide whether to move forward in its eminent domain action against Cal Water’s system.

However, Visalia residents are overwhelmingly against the City’s proposed takeover of the system. According to a survey conducted by Goodwin Simon Research, only 27 percent would support a government takeover and a majority believe there is no need to replace Cal Water. Opposition to a takeover increased to 68 percent once residents were informed that such a move could increase water rates and taxes and threaten water quality.

Cal Water’s Shannon Dean: “These stark results show that the City Council is truly out of step with the voters of Visalia.”

The Visalia City Council should listen to the broad consensus among residents – a government takeover is the wrong path for the city. As we’ve seen before, these eminent domain takeovers lead to higher rates and increased taxes for customers.