PINE-STRAWBERRY WATER IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
PSWID Board members are elected or appointed. They serve without compensation or fringe benefits, other than the feeling that they are doing their civic duty and helping the community they care about. In their duties, they tackle issues that are often complex and difficult. When their term expires, they choose to run for re-election or appointment, or they walk away.
In November, four of the Board positions, including mine, are up for re-election. New Board members will be elected (unless there are fewer than four people who want to run for the Board, in which case the County will appoint Board members). One of the Board members whose term is not yet expired is Ms. Sharon Hillman. But she is the subject of a current effort to recall her from the Board. If the recall process is successful, Ms. Hillman’s seat would also be up for re-election. She could choose to run or not run, just like anyone else.
I have known Ms. Hillman since I was appointed to the Board in September, 2021. Since then, I have had the opportunity to collaborate with her and to learn more about the history of the Water District and of the water situation in Pine and Strawberry. A decade ago, the District was in rough shape. On the management side, there were financial irregularities, indictments, and convictions. On the water side, there was uncertainty about the water supply. Ms. Hillman became a part of the Board eight years ago and has also served as Treasurer and the key financial person.
Jumping forward to now, the District has enjoyed financial stability, with clean external audits year after year. It is a stark, noteworthy turnaround. The Board, with Ms. Hillman taking the lead in many cases, has found ways to improve the water situation by repairing lines, refurbishing existing wells, and drilling new wells. These improvements were funded creatively by low-interest loans, forgivable loans, and grants, all of which Ms. Hillman found and administered with oversight from the Board and its Chairperson. As a result, the moratorium on the new water service has been amended to allow for a slow rollout of new customers.
In summary, the water situation is in a better position than in many, many years. The financial situation is also stable and healthy. In both accomplishments, Ms. Hillman has been a key player and the key player in many instances. The community should be appreciative of Ms. Hillman’s efforts and should certainly not be actively trying to remove her from the Board.
PSWID Board of Directors
July 2, 2024