Let me say the only business that doesn’t need to have any business sense is a public utility.  All they have to do is have someone to figure and the PUC will accommodate their presumed needs. How can you possibly know what they really need when you rely on their word that rate increases will require funds only you can provide. I know many of their employees and they sure don’t look or act like they are over worked or underfed.

My rates have increased 10 times, or more, since Cal Water took over plus you allowed them to lien our property to give us “safe drinking water” which I feel was uncalled for. I am still waiting to be repaid for that funding. As one merchant told me, “I sure wish I could get someone to insure me a profit and have all new equipment to work with.”

This is nothing but TARP money that doesn’t have to be repaid. Why not make Cal Water show a loss before giving them any type of assistance. They are a business and should be treated as such, not a spoiled child. I do not in any way feel you should take the word of Cal Water as to what is needed to maintain their operation without proof of need as they should show good business sense and live within their income and reduce their expense after all they do not manufacture, they only distribute natures product. I feel all the monies collected to give us safe drinking water should be returned as they were the ones who benefited from the improvements. Just in case I haven’t made myself clear, I do not believe Cal Water should receive any type of free money to waste in their uncontrolled operation. Let them earn the right to be in business.

Lyndon E. Yearwood

Squirrel Valley