TMWA directors nix water system lease proposal

By Jeff DeLong, Reno Gazzette-Journal • jdelong@rgj.com • July 26, 2008
A proposal to lease the water system serving the greater Reno-Sparks area to private investors was killed Friday by directors of the Truckee Meadows Water Authority.  With little discussion, the board rescinded last week's decision to have consultants explore the possible lease arrangement -- a move that prompted the utility's general manager, Lori Williams, to say she will resign come September.

Public opposition and potential impacts to the long-negotiated Truckee River Operating Agreement prompted the decision to ditch the idea, board members said.
"Their voice has been heard," Reno Mayor Bob Cashell said of the idea's critics. "We decided to pull the trigger."
Williams was vacationing and not present at Friday's meeting. She said through a representative that her decision to leave remains unchanged.  My plans have not changed. My resignation stands," Williams said.
Board members present at Friday's meeting unanimously voted to kill the lease proposal. They included Cashell, Sparks Mayor Geno Martini, Sparks Councilman Mike Carrigan, Reno Councilman David Aiazzi and Reno appointees Mike Cate and Tom Young. Washoe County Commissioner Bob Larkin was absent
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