During a recent presentation to Prescott City Council about the City’s planned $60M Water Production and Intermediate Pump Station project, Councilmembers, Public Works staff and the City Attorney paused to review whether or not the project should have triggered a public vote before it got underway.
The project covers improvements to the city’s water facility in Chino Valley ($19M) and a new intermediate pump station near Deep Well Ranch ($41M).
Under a voter proposition approved in 2009, projects valued at $40M or more must go before the public for a vote. That threshold has been increased to $51M due to a Consumer Price Index adjustment component.
Since the project total is $60M, questions had arisen as to whether or not the project should have gone to a vote for exceeding the $51M cap.
Public Works Director Ashley Couch raised the question for the Council’s benefit and then provided the explanation based on exceptions built into the original proposition.
The first exemption excludes replacing or repairing existing water or sewer lines. Couch explained the Chino Valley component fits that standard and triggers the exemption.
A second exemption excludes projects required under court orders or by state or federal law. Couch explained a 2005 order from the Arizona Department of Water Resources led to the requirement that the pump station be built, thus triggering the second exemption.
City Attorney Joseph Young said it was his opinion that the exemptions applied.
Couch also pointed out the project has been brought before the Council for various reasons a total of 19 times over the last 12 years and that it has consistently received unanimous support.
Construction on two six-million-gallon water tanks began earlier this year, and the pump station portion should be complete in approximately 18 months. (Source)
