20250613Comments_10.pdf

Name: Len and Dana Broderson
Submission Time: Jun 12 2025 10:42PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 25477 N. Old Hwy 95
Athol, ID 83801
Name of Utility Company: Gem State Water
Case ID: GSW-W-24-01
Comment: "Our comment is to oppose and criticize the proposed general rate increase the
Gem State Water/ Bitterroot& Rickel and all the other local water systems included in
Gem State. This company is out of touch with reality. We are NOT in an area that can
support this proposed rate increase. We are an agricultural area with residential properties
which include raising livestock, farming, and raising gardens for personal food supply. We
Live in a wildfire prone ecosystem. Combine this with global warming and increased human
population, the environment has seen an increase in number of wildland fires in this area
and an increase in severity which leaves property owners less able to protect our own
properties. We do not live on Portland city lots, nor do we have the financial means to pay
the proposed rate increases of nearly 80%. This proposed increase in cost is completely
out of touch. Additionally, the reduction of what used to be 15,000 gal/month rate with
Rickel to current 10,000 gal/month with Gem State is hard enough for property owners. To
see a monthly increase in price along with a further reduction of usage to 7,000 gallons is
an attack on hardworking conservative families who live in our area. Your customers
demonstrate healthy conservation and prudent practices to use our water wisely. If we're to
protect our water systems, we suggest taking a closer look at future planning in relationship
to the increased growth that demands more of our natural resources.
In further review of Gem State Water/NW Natural Holdings, we have found Justin
Palfreyman, President of Gem State Water Co., LLC and CEO as of 04/01/2025 and elected
President and CEO of NW Natural Holdings. As of 2023, Mr. Palfreyman made over
$2,000,000.00 in total compensation from NW Natural Holdings. This information was
taken from www.l.saLary.com.
We feel that Mr. Palfreyman, being originally from New York and educated in Chicago does
not- OR will not represent our North Idaho rural and conservative community. The NW
Natural Holdings mission statement is to provide safe, reliable, and affordable utility
services and renewable energy in a sustainable way to better the lives of the communities
they serve.
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We strongly urge you to deny the proposed increase rate of 79%/month along with a
reduction of base water consumption of 7,000 gallons which is half of the base water
consumption prior to NW Natural Holdings acquiring Gem State/Bitterroot and Rickel
Water Company. Please vote NO on this proposed general rate increase:'
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The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: VIVIAN KELLY
Submission Time: Jun 13 2025 10:52AM
Email: vkelly2131 @hotmail.com
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 27864 N Silver Meadows Loop
ATHOL, ID 83801-8553
Name of Utility Company: GEM STATE WATER
Case ID: GSW-W-24-0
Comment: "We have lived at this address for the past 25 years. Water from our former
company, Bitterroot was excellent- no problems. Water quality under the ownership of
Gem State has degraded along with no customer service.
1. Water Quality: The last water test report received was several years ago and it stated
there were issues with the water and if you had health concerns don't drink the water!
When the water dries on any surface it leaves a white residue and excessive calcium
deposits in toilets and around sink drains and faucets. I just paid a plumber$375 to
replace our master shower valve cartridge due to excess calcium deposits not allowing
water flow.Water quality is extremely POOR-we have no idea what water treatment they
are using or what is being added to our water and causing the current issues. We have not
received any water reports from testing in years! I want to know exactly what they are
putting into our water. None of these problems existed under prior ownership.
2. Customer Service: I have NEVER had a person answer the phone when I call the office
for assistance. We got a notice that water was going to be shut off for some line repair-
they provided no date or time. My grandson is on home dialysis and during his 5 hour
treatments the water must run continuously through the machine!! I called the office to
determine the date and time of shut down.... as always I got voice mail. I left several
messages requesting information on the shut down and explained the dialysis situation. I
NEVER GOT A RETURN CALL FROM ANYONE! This was a life threatening situation and not
one person bothered to call and provide information!!!
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3. PROPOSED BUDGET: I find it most interesting they are adding Depreciation Expense to
Lower the Net Income.... DEPRECIATION IS NOT A MONEY-CASH REDUCTION EXPENSE.
It's an accounting method that allocates the cost of an asset over its useful life, reducing
the company's net income but without an actual cash outflow! Depreciation has NO effect
on operating cashf Low and should not be included in the budget presentation. Also, the
Plant in Service section of the budget is requesting over 3-million dollar increase! If they
are wanting to expand operations to other communities, the cost of expansion should NOT
be on the back of current customers. If they want to expand and create other community
water services the new community needs to pay for that expansion not established
communities that have already paid!
4.WATER CONSERVATION: Gem State mentions one reason for lowering base and
increasing rates is to encourage water conservation: Bitterroot-Silver Meadows community
is all 5 and 10 acre parcels... many of which are tree with forestry plans. Most residents
purchased land away from the cityto be more self-sustaining by raising food and live stock
to sustain family life. It takes water to sustain crops, livestock and the family needs... Our
community is beautiful we would like to keep it that way and it takes water to do so. I don't
believe any of us abuse water usage.. we can't afford to!! Since Gem State took over our
base has already been lowered the water quality has declined and there is no customer
service what so ever... PLEASE DO NOT REWARD BAD QUALITY AND BAD BEHAVIOR. "
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The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Shane Crist
Submission Time: Jun 13 2025 10:27AM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 8743 W. Liberty
Spirit Lake, ID 83869
Name of Utility Company: Gem State Water Co
Case ID: GSW-W-24-01
Comment: "To Whom it may concern,
I am writing to you in response to the case of increase of water rates for Spirit Lake East.
My family and I live on a lot which is over 15 acres.The lots in SLE are 10 to 15 acres, no
smaller than 10 acres.
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My meter is 1.5 inches which I installed in 1998. We have a garden, orchard, animals and
ourselves (family of 6) relying on the water provided by GSW, whom just had a water rate
increase less than 2 years ago.Water rates are supposed to be fair and affordable to the
consumer. GSW wants to reduce my allotment of water by one third (From15,000 down to
10,000), double the base rate, and double the overage price. The water company wants to
charge the same price and gallons allotted for 5 acre lots as 15 acre lots. Property owners
of SLE generally do not have water rights on most properties and therefore GSW is taking
advantage of that fact. I have lived in SLE for 30 years.
Back when water was $12. A month and unlimited use.
The employees who work for GSW were dishonest with me, the consumer.
One example of being dishonest is back in February of 2025, our water was very dis-
tasteful with bleach.You could smell and taste it; so I called the office to inquire about the
bleach smell and taste. I left a message and received a call back the next day and I told the
man the problem and he informed me that they had replaced the bottle that feeds the
system and some bottles are stronger than others and they purchase them from Oxarc in
Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, so I believed what he had told me.Three days passed after my
calling GSW and I decided to call Oxarc and ask about their bottles being different
strengths and the employee informed me that the chlorine bottles are exactly the same.
My water bill in the spring until fall is in excess of$400. A month, hardly fair if you ask me.
I know a company has to make money because I run my own company, as well. It seems
highly exorbant to ask for$600,000.00 raise while reducing the amount of water usage, but
doubling the rates and overage costs.
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The following complaint was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Donald Clark
Submission Time: Jun 12 2025 6:46PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 10076 W CoeurdAlene Dr.
Spirit Lake , ID 83869
Name of Utility Company: Gem State
Contacted Utility: No
Comment: "Gem State water wants to increase the $35 base fee for 7480 gallons. The
request from Gem State is to increase on the base rate to$62.65 and a reduction on our
water allowance to 5000 gallons per month.
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The above is excessive increase and a burden on residents of Spirit Lake East. Gem State
also want to reduce our total water use to 5000 gallons per month which is not enough for
water for the use and needs of our 10 +- lots
We request that Gem State does receive approval for these changes and case is denied.
Thank you for taking the time to consider this information"
Thank You
Don Clark
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The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Lee Partyka
Submission Time: Jun 13 2025 11:55AM
Email: partykaMcbgmaiL.com
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 34754 N St Joe Dr
Spirit Lake, ID 83869
Name of Utility Company: gem state water
Case ID: GSW-W-24-0
Comment: "today I received notice that travelers won't renew my home insurance. Why???
Wildfire brush zone.. So now I am having trouble getting insurance and this rip off company
wants to cut my usage again..We do. not need a large investment company running our
Local small water utilities that are not even in Idaho and have no clue of living in an area
that is subject to wildfire. The Timberlake fire dept is encouraging keeping a green zone
around your house and this helps slow down a fire but we now have to let it go or go broke
trying to water it. I have been a resident here for 21 yrs and I remember 15000 gal a month
for 12 dollars. When I moved in here with horses and other livestock water was a major
consideration because of not having your own well. Now I have seen this water company
raise rates and cut allotments over 100% since I moved here. I have talked to every person)
know on city water and they pay less and get more water and sewer is included. Bayview
gets 5000 gal for 20.00. in town. Why does gem state think they can charge three times as
much for the same gal? I see that gem state has brand new f350 diesel dually. over 100.000
truck is this a real need when a used truck will do?? I am also baffled by a company that
wants to encourage conservation by charging excessive fees for water that I am paying an.
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aquifer tax on every year. Stop the increase and give us at least 10,000 gal going forward.
we don't need people in Portland controlling how much water they think we need;'
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The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: susan partyka
Submission Time: Jun 13 2025 12:07PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 34754 n st joe drive
Spirit Lake, ID 83869
Name of Utility Company: gem state
Case ID: GSW-W-24-0
Comment: "I am appalled by this rate case . How dare they cut more water and upcharge
and double the overage all the while driving around in new trucks. The average person uses
3000 gal a month and at 5000 that barely covers one person. We live in rural property and
try to keep a green zone but now we seriously are thinking of letting it go because it's so
expensive. I have a garden to grow ourveggies and now that is going to have to be
rethought. We have seen two increases and water allotment cuts. We can't drill a well
because of how expensive it is. I feel we are at the mercy of you and don't have much faith
it this process. I sure would like a increase in my social security like these crooks are
asking for..Furthermore tell these gem state to go conserve their own water and stay the
hell out of Idaho. Im sick of all the greedy companies that gobble up small water systems
so they can rape us . Please increase our water allotment and don't approve the increase..
We get less water than people in town and they have sewer.STOP THE STEAL"
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The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Jamie Wise
Submission Time: Jun 13 2025 1:15PM
Email: tetonwise(,Bgmail.com
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 26226 N Silver Meadows Loop
Athol, ID 83801
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Name of Utility Company: Gem State
Case ID: GSW-W-24-01
Comment: "I would like my comments to come before the Utility commission regarding
Gem State Water increasing their rates and also wanting to lower the gallons before they
charge so much for over usage.
Two years ago our bill went from $21 to $35 per month and from 15,000 gallons to 10,000
gallons per month. Now they want an increase yet again. By doing this it is cutting our
green space quite a bit. The last few years we have had fires within two miles or less.
I don't agree with outrageous price increases and lower usage. It seems like the only time
they do something to the system it right before they go the the commission for a price raise
and to lower our usages. This needs to stop. Increase of around 79% is unfair. At least
spread it out over many years.
Also are they considering this is rural area and not city lots. Please let us be able to keep
our green space without more than double monthly fees and lower usage.
Thank you for you consideration:'
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The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Richard W Masteller
Submission Time: Jun 13 2025 2:08PM
Email: rich P masteller.com
Telephone: [phone]
Address: 14235 W Coeur D'Alene Dr
Spirit Lake, ID 83869
Name of Utility Company: Gem State Water
Case ID: GSW'W'24'01
Comment: "I think the increase in allotment and rates is unreasonable for larger properties,
residential farms and gardens. this needs to be looked into. seems convenient for a
predicted drought year. being they sell a natural rescores (water) should this be discussed?
thank for your time and service to our great state. Richard:'
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From: Old World Family Farm <[e-mail]>
Sent: Friday, June 13, 2025 3:05 PM
To: secretary<[e-mail]>
Subject: Comment Letter with regard to Case#GSW-W-24-01 Gem State Water Co. re:
Spirit Lake East water service
To the Honorable Idaho Public Utilities Commission Regarding
Case#GST-W-24-01 - Gem State Water Co.
Our families have lived in Idaho for more than five generations. For the past 30 years, we
have worked, raised our families, and homesteaded our property in Spirit Lake East- a
home we built with our own hands, tending to 15 acres that the Good LORD has blessed us
with: a household of six, gardens, orchards, berry patches, livestock, and pets. This
homestead - and the water that sustains it—is notjust real estate, but our property is our
very provision, our path to self-sufficiency, and the foundation of our family's past, present,
and future happiness.
When we moved here from southern Idaho, water rates were $12 per month for unlimited
usage, a rate that held for decades.That reliability allowed families like ours to grow
gardens, raise children, build homes, and community-thanks in great measure to
affordable, accessible water. We personally hand-installed our 1 1/2 water meter and water
main along with our electric main-line, demonstrating our hands-on stewardship.
Recent years have brought changes in water service corporations, resulting in water that
often is undrinkable and carries a persistent chlorine odor. This water literally does not
"quench"the thirst. This appears to result from a"broad spectrum" industrial approach,
prioritizing mass chemical treatment over actual individual well quality. This syndrome -
Like so much of industrial"progress"- results in loss of natural quality, to the People's direct
detriment.
We have been forced to reduce our gardens, discontinue watering our lawn (a "low priority"
that actually affects the beauty and happiness of our home), and remove our fodder
system - an investment sacrificed solely due to increased water rates. Our ongoing water
bill ranges from $200 to $700 over the past four years with base rates rising from $25.55 per
month to $70.00 per month (albeit with an increase in allotment which is now in jeopardy of
being once again reduced by 1/3). Even attempts to expand our community service by
building a greenhouse, at great personal expense, paid-for and permitted, are held back
solely due to water restrictions and costs imposed by Gem State Water and its parent
corporations.
We recognize that cost is incurred in providing and maintaining public water-though
more recently, over-chlorination has raised questions about whether some
"improvements"are in the public's best interest. The decision to replace all of the perfectly
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functioning water meters in Spirit Lake East in order to decrease labor costs and time "in
the field" is at best self-serving and not in the best interest of customers is an example as is
the decision to purchase vehicles without verification as to the necessity. Were previous
vehicles confirmed as non functioning?
Less than two years ago, we endured a more reasonable rate increase. But there are no
alternatives for our families when facing unaffordable water. We are at the full mercy of a
state-protected monopoly—unable to"shop around"for better rates, better service, or a
higher quality"product". As is seen in so many situations, the next generation is
increasingly forced to leave the region for economic reasons, harming our rural
community's future.
The water that Gem State Water Co. distributes is replenished by snow, rain, and natural
hydrological processes—provided for by God and by the responsible environmental
stewardship of Idaho's property owners whose lands recharge the aquifer. This is a shared,
community resource, not the proprietary product of any corporate entity. For the company
to charge"overages" per gallon when operational costs do not correspondingly increase is
both inequitable and unlawful, amounting to unjust enrichment at public expense.
The proposed 79% base rate hike, the reduction of monthly water allotments, and
especially the plan to charge double for so-called "overages,"go far beyond covering
underlying costs. These charges punish families, property owners, and farmers simplyfor
irrigating crops, raising animals, or upholding our rural way of life that the Territory and
today, the State of Idaho was built upon.These are not luxuries; they represent our right to
property, sustenance, and the pursuit of happiness, protected by both Idaho and our
Founding Documents - Right to Life, Liberty, and Property(the pursuit of happiness).
Constitutional Authority and Statutory Citations:
Article I, Section 1, Idaho Constitution:
"All men are by nature free and equal, and have certain inalienable rights, among which are
enjoying and defending life and liberty; acquiring, possessing and protecting property..."
Water is essential to life, property, and prosperity in our State.
Article I, Section 2, states:
"All political power is inherent in the people. Government is instituted for their equal
protection and benefit"
The Idaho Constitution,Article XV, Section 1:
"The use of all waters now appropriated, or that may hereafter be appropriated for sale,
rental or distribution, is hereby declared to be a public use, and subject to the regulation
and control of the state in the manner prescribed by law."
The use and distribution of water is for the public good and subject to lawful, reasonable
regulation—not exploitation.
United States Constitution:
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• Fifth Amendment: "No person shall be ... deprived of life, liberty, or property, without
due process of law."
• Fourteenth Amendment: "...nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or
property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction
the equal protection of the laws."
Definition of Lawful and Constitutional Acts by Public Officials:
16 American Jurisprudence 2d, Constitutional Law§ 256, states in full:
"The general rule is that an unconstitutional statute, though having the form and name of
Law, is in reality no law, but is wholly void, and ineffective for any purpose; it imposes no
duties, confers no rights, creates no office, bestows no power or authority on anyone,
affords no protection, and justifies no acts performed under it. No one is bound to obey an
unconstitutional act, and no courts are bound to enforce it. Persons injured by its
enforcement are entitled to redress, and it may neither be used in any court nor afford any
protection to those seeking to do so. An unconstitutional law, in legal contemplation, is as
inoperative as though it had never been passed. Thus, acts performed under it are invalid,
and the officers administering it can be held personally liable."
Legal Maxims and Foundational Principles:
• "Public office is a public trust."(Black's Law Dictionary; Bouvier's)
• "A trustee is bound to protect the interests of the beneficiary[the Peopleb"
• "No one can take advantage of his own wrong."
• "Lex iniusta non est lex"—an unjust law is not law. (St. Augustine; Blackstone's
Commentaries)
• "Ubi jus ibi remedium"—where there is a Right, there is a remedy.
Statutory Fiduciary Duty and Consequences for Breach:
Idaho Code § 18-1352:
"A public servant is guilty of official misconduct when, with the intent to obtain a benefit or
to cause harm to another, he commits an unauthorized exercise of his official functions."
Idaho Code § 18-1353, § 18-1354:
"A public servant who, in reliance upon his office, with intent to obtain a benefit confers an
unauthorized benefit is guilty of a felony/misdemeanor... and is subject to removal from
office and penalties."
Idaho Code Title 61, Chapter 5, §61-502:
"Whenever the commission...finds that the rates...charged...by any public utility for any
service are unjust, unreasonable, discriminatory or preferential, or in anyway in violation of
Law, or that such rates...are insufficient, the commission shall determine the just,
reasonable, or sufficient rates to be charged for the service to be rendered."
A 79%increase for an essential utility is manifestly unreasonable and violates the public
trust.
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Federal Law:
Title 18 U.S.C. §241, §242: Deprivation of Rights under Color of Law—anyone, including
state actors, who deprives citizens of protected Rights is subject to sanction and liability.
42 U.S.0 § 1983: Civil action for deprivation of Rights by government actors.
The Founders Warned Against Corporate Usurpation of the Public Good:
Thomas Jefferson:
Letter to the Republican Citizens of Washington County, Maryland (1809):
"The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only
Legitimate object of good government."
Letter to George Logan (1816):
"I hope we shall crush in its birth the aristocracy of our monied corporations which dare
already to challenge our government to a trial by strength, and bid defiance to the laws of
our country."
John Adams:
"Government is instituted for the common good; for the protection, safety, prosperity, and
happiness of the people; and not for profit, honor, or private interest of any one man,
family, or class of men..."
—Massachusetts Constitution, 1780,Article Vll(drafted by John Adams)
The Founders, in every branch of early American written philosophy, prioritized the
responsibilities of government to serve the people's welfare, not private profit, and warned
sternly against collusion between government agents and private interests. They
consistently held that public servants are trustees for the people and must be held to the
highest standard in safeguarding public rights, property, and happiness.
Scriptural and Public Trust Doctrine:
The Holy Scriptures declare:
• "But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!" (Amos
5:24)
• "...You cause the grass to grow for the livestock and plants for man to cultivate, that
he may bring forth food from the earth..." (Psalm 104:14)
• "...He gives rain for the earth and sends water upon the fields."(Job 5:10)
Water, as Idahoans well know, is a resource given by God Himself for all people and all
Living things—intended for sustenance, nourishment, and the thriving of families and
communities. Corporations are but stewards, not owners or creators, of these Providence-
bestowed resources. In seeking to make water unattainable by artificially inflated prices, a
corporation trespasses not just against the Constitution but against God's equitable order.
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God-given water is a public trust—a universal blessing received, replenished, and
preserved by Nature and Nature's GOD, not by any corporation or private interest.
The State's Burden as Trustee:
The State bears a solemn, constitutional duty to hold all natural resources—including
Land,water, and minerals—in trust for the benefit of its people.This doctrine, long
recognized in American and Idaho law, affirms that the State acts only as a steward or
trustee, with a clear mandate that all proceeds, advantages, or benefits derived from these
resources must accrue solely to the People of the State. The Idaho Constitution (Art. IX, §3)
and general principles of public trust make it clear that these resources are not, and never
should be, private commodities to be exploited for corporate profit or for the personal gain
of government representatives, employees, or private entities.
The government, as trustee, has no lawful authority to sell, lease, or otherwise
dispense the benefits of public resources in a way that enriches corporations or state
agents at the expense of the public.Any attempt to grant exclusive privileges, profits, or
control over public resources to private interests is a violation of fundamental law and
public trust. Idaho's own legal tradition and case law affirm that the State is required to
manage and distribute all returns from these resources transparently and equitably,
ensuring that every citizen shares in their benefit.
In sum, the rights and interests of the People are both the purpose and the limit of the
State's authority over its resources. The State cannot—either directly or through public
utility commissions—privatize, commercialize, or divert the wealth generated from
Idaho's natural bounty for private or governmental gain.These resources belong,
inalienably, to the People, and every act of management must reflect this duty.
Equity and Fairness Require a Just and Transparent Rate Structure:A reasonable base
fee -demonstrably calculated to cover actual operational and maintenance costs, and a
fair, limited profit—is lawful and equitable. "Overage"charges, especially those lacking any
transparent, itemized evidence of additional service cost to the company, are capricious,
inequitable, and abusive of monopoly power. Utilities under state protection must serve
the public, not exploit their power over a necessity of life.
Summary of Demands and Lawful Remedies:
• Require a full, public, and independent audit—as a matter of law and fiduciary
duty—to substantiate any increased cost, especially those used to justify`overage'
charges.
• Deny approval for the proposed 79% rate increase and reject all surcharges not
strictly aligned with actual cost and public benefit, in accordance with
Constitutional, statutory, and moral law.
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• Uphold the Commission's oath, heed Constitutional authority, and act always for
the benefit of Idaho's people—not private or corporate profit.
Acts that do otherwise—approving or enforcing measures contrary to the Constitutions,
laws, and public interest—are unlawful, void, and expose those responsible to personal
liability, civil or criminal(as per Idaho Code § 18-1351-1354; Idaho Const. Art. II, §7; Art. V,
§ 3;Title 18 U.S.C. §§241, 242).
In conclusion, Let these words of principle and law, and the appeals of generations of
Idahoans who have labored for this land, be heard:
You, as our public servants, are bound by law, history, and conscience to protect the public
trust and the future of our communities.
References:
Idaho Constitution: Art. I § 1-2, Art. XV§ 1
• United States Constitution: Fifth & Fourteenth Amendments
• Idaho Code: §§ 18-1351-1354, § 61-301, § 61-315, § 61-502
16 Am.Jur.2d Constitutional Law(177) § 256
18 U.S.C. §§ 241, 242; 42 U.S.C. § 1983
• Holy Bible: Amos 5:24; Job 5:10; Psalm 104:14
Black's Law Dictionary, Maxims
Letters of Thomas Jefferson (1809& 1816) &John Adams
Respectfully submitted,
Velorie Crist
Mailing Address - Post Office Box 815, Spirit Lake, Idaho 83869
YES-Would both like to attend meetings as well as address and give comments and
testimony regarding this issue.
Thankyou
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The following comment was submitted via PUCWeb:
Name: Roger Benoit
Submission Time: Jun 13 2025 3:39PM
Email: [e-mail]
Telephone: [phone]
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Address: 8643 W. Liberty Drive
Spirit Lake, ID 83869
Name of Utility Company: Gem State Water
Case ID: GSW-W-24-01
Comment: "Dear Commissioners,
I write as a citizen and water customer directly affected by the proposed water rate
increases and additional fees requested by the Gem State Water. I strongly object to any
approval of these increases.
Water is fundamental to every Idaho family, home, and business. It is not a luxury, but a
daily necessity. Any substantial increase in rates or new charges places a heavy burden on
households, especially on those with fixed or limited incomes, farmers who grow our food,
and small local businesses. A sharp escalation in water costs impacts not only our ability
to maintain our homes and land, but threatens our way of life.
The utility company, as the sole provider, is the only option for many Idahoans - meaning
customers must accept whatever is set, no matter their situation. In such circumstances,
a strict sense of fairness and accountability is necessary. It is not reasonable or just to
approve significant hikes without clear and direct proof of true need.
Rather than approving steep increases or unproven extra charges, the Commission should
require that any request that cannot be backed by transparent, itemized evidence should
be denied. Maintenance of existing pipes and delivery systems is important, but
customers should not have to fund expansion (multiple holdings) or unnecessary upgrades
that are not directly related to dependable service.
Additionally, in times of economic shift or hardship, flexibility and consideration for the
impact on residents is essential. Steep water rate increases can drive families to cut back
food production, lose livestock, or even force them to move away. This weakens our
communities and our local economy.
I urge the Commission to protect the interests and well-being of Idaho's people above all
other considerations. Stand for fairness. If increases are truly necessary, make sure they
are moderate and based on proven essential cost, not on estimates or corporate gain.
Ensure that the public is given adequate consideration regarding any changes that could
disrupt our lives and livelihoods. Isn't that the job of our representative government?
Above all, never put corporate profit or convenience ahead of the real-life needs of Idaho's
families, elders, and those who work the land.
Thank you for considering my concerns and standing with the people who depend on you.
Please reject these increases.
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