Citrus County Commission notes -----
Copyright Times Publishing Co. Oct 27, 2005
Commissioners also voted unanimously Tuesday to hire a Tallahassee law firm to help the county evaluate whether to purchase the Florida Governmental Utility Authority's 11 Citrus County systems.
County Attorney Robert "Butch" Battista recommended the Rose, Sundstrom & Bentley firm, which he said had particular expertise in evaluating and handling utility purchases.
The commission voted to set aside $50,000 for the first phase of its study, which will also include an investigation of rates by St. Augustine-based Burton & Associates.
FGUA systems manager Robert Sheets said the utility would work with the county during the evaluation process.
Commissioner Jim Fowler asked Sheets whether the FGUA had any plans to improve its accountability.
"We have learned from the mistakes we've made here," Sheets said.
He said the utility plans to set up an advisory board including one resident from Pine Ridge, one from Sugarmill Woods, one from Citrus Springs and two at-large members from other areas of the county.
But Commission Chairwoman Vicki Phillips said she still saw conflicts in the FGUA's operations.
"The FGUA, unfortunately, has lost accountability," she said.
Catherine E. Shoichet can be reached at cshoichet@sptimes.com or 860-7309.
Commissioners also voted unanimously Tuesday to hire a Tallahassee law firm to help the county evaluate whether to purchase the Florida Governmental Utility Authority's 11 Citrus County systems.
County Attorney Robert "Butch" Battista recommended the Rose, Sundstrom & Bentley firm, which he said had particular expertise in evaluating and handling utility purchases.
The commission voted to set aside $50,000 for the first phase of its study, which will also include an investigation of rates by St. Augustine-based Burton & Associates.
FGUA systems manager Robert Sheets said the utility would work with the county during the evaluation process.
Commissioner Jim Fowler asked Sheets whether the FGUA had any plans to improve its accountability.
"We have learned from the mistakes we've made here," Sheets said.
He said the utility plans to set up an advisory board including one resident from Pine Ridge, one from Sugarmill Woods, one from Citrus Springs and two at-large members from other areas of the county.
But Commission Chairwoman Vicki Phillips said she still saw conflicts in the FGUA's operations.
"The FGUA, unfortunately, has lost accountability," she said.
Catherine E. Shoichet can be reached at cshoichet@sptimes.com or 860-7309.
posted by Editor Facts & Myths @ 12:15 AM
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