160520_PacksaddleWater.pdf

Teton County homeowners association
seeks to operate small water company

Case No. PKS-W-15-01, Order No. 33525
Contact: Gene Fadness [phone], 890-2712

BOISE (May 20, 2016) – A Teton County homeowners association is seeking approval from the
Idaho Public Utilities Commission to own and operate a previously privately owned and
regulated water corporation.

The 35 residential customers of Packsaddle Estates Water Corporation have formed Packsaddle
Water Systems, Inc. and seek to operate the water company as a publicly operated utility which
would remove it from Idaho PUC jurisdiction. Matters such as rates and customer service
issues would be determined by the homeowners association.

The homeowners association is a mutual, non-profit organization represented by board
members in a “democratically run corporation,” according to the application. Homeowners
association members say they were approached about taking over the company by the owner
who was experiencing health-related issues.

The homeowners association claims that all of the fees collected from subdivision customers
will be used for the operation and maintenance of the water system. The association said it has
access to individuals who will ensure that the water system will comply with state Department
of Environmental Quality requirements.

The treasurer of the homeowners association is Robert Vostrejs of Driggs.

The commission is taking public comment on the application through June 9. Comments are
accepted by accessing the commission’s Website at www.puc.idaho.gov and clicking on "Case
Comment Form,” under the “Consumers” heading. Fill in the case number (PKS-W-15-01) and
enter your comments. Comments can also be mailed to P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0074
or faxed to [phone].

The application and other documents related to this case are available on the commission’s
Website. Click on “Open Cases” under the “Water” heading and scroll down to the case number
above.