$53 million water budget OK

The Las Virgenes Municipal Water District board of directors adopted a $53.1 million budget for the 2005-2006 fiscal year starting July 1, including $14.2 million for capital projects that district officials say will “renew and strengthen” the agency’s aging infrastructure.

“I am pleased the adopted budget is balanced with no anticipated need for an increase in potable water rates in the coming year,” said John Mundy, LVMWD general manager.

To support capital improvements, the water district will use $12.3 million from its reserves. Planned projects include adding pipelines for the potable water system, water tank rehabilitation, and “system changes to enhance water delivery dependability,” Mundy said.

“The use of reserves for the improvement projects is part of the district’s financial strategy,” Mundy said. “Rather than borrow (money) to finance needed projects, we set money aside, effectively saving toward major expenses. . .”

District officials noted that wastewater treatment services will be studied during the coming year.

The Tapia Water Reclamation Facility’s creek discharge permit is under review by the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board, and if proposed conditions in the new permit are adopted, consumers would pay higher rates, Mundy said.

The water district provides potable water, wastewater treatment and recycled water for irrigation to 65,000 residents in the Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Westlake Village and Hidden Hills areas.