1.  What are the pro's and con's associated with the proposed tax increase and de-brucing waiver. 

The tax increase and de-brucing waiver saves money.  The first thing everyone needs to understand is that the projects related to the proposed tax increase have to move forward regardless of the outcome of the election.  If the tax increase is approved a general obligation bond will be utilized to fund the project, if the tax increase is not approve  the project will be funded by a revenue bond paid for by a rate increase.  Interest rates on general obligation bonds are lower and will save close to $2 million dollars over the life of the bonds.  Additionally state and local taxes can be deducted from a costumer's annual federal income taxes, a rate increase cannot be deducted.  The tax increase will also be mitigated because a tax that is funding an existing bond will be completely paid off in 2016 and will expire.  Simply put, the proposed tax increase is the cheaper option.

The Tabor revenue and spending limits waiver would allow the ERWSD to apply for and receive state and federal grants for infrastructure upgrades without pushing the District over the Tabor imposed revenue and spending limits.  Without the waivers the District would have to refund  grants that are above their revenue and spending limits which would eliminate any savings afforded by a grant.  Any future tax increases would continue to require voter approval per Tabor.  Keep in mind that the required upgrades to the District's plants will  improve water quality in the watershed.

2.  What changes might you make to the organization and operation of the ERWSD to insure that it functions within its revenue limitations?

Having spent the last eight years on the Upper Eagle Regional Water Authority Board, which is managed by the ERWSD staff, I continue to be impressed with the District's efforts toward continued improvement at all levels, but specifically being financially responsible.  At this time I would not propose any substantial changes in the organization or operation.

3.  Why not or why  should the ERWSD assume the responsibility to oversee and administer the operation of storm water collection and treatment system.  If not, who should?

Negative regulatory impacts from inadequate management of stormwater fall disproportionately on the ERWSD, it increase water treatment costs and regulatory requirements for waste water treatment.  Be aware that what is being discussed is what is referred to as Stormwater  Best Management Practices, which are efforts such as sedimentation ponds, sedimentation fence and keeping clean run off clean, not a large treatment facility.

4.  How and why are you qualified to serve as a member of the ERWSD Board of Directors?

 I have lived in the Valley since 1974 and in Eagle-Vail for the last 15 years.  I have the kind of experience and motivation that would benefit the customers of the Eagle River Water and Sanitation District (ERWSD).

My own experience include eight years representing Eagle-Vail on the Upper Eagle Regional Water Authority Board (UERWA), eight years representing Vail Resorts on the Eagle Park Reservoir Company Board, participation on the Eagle County Urban Runoff Executive Committee, serving on the Camp Hale Restoration Steering Committee and involvement in the Colorado River Cooperative Agreement.

My motivations for running for Eagle River Water and Sanitation Board are straightforward. I have a passion for the issues and for representing the entire upper Valley. My goals as a board member are to help maintain the health of our Watershed, to continue to use and build on the experience I have gained in the water supply arena, to help ensure that the upper Eagle Valley has a reliable, high quality water supply, to help ensure that the ERWSD is financially responsible in meeting ever evolving regulatory requirements, to help ensure that the ERWSD’s customer water and sewer needs are met at a reasonable cost, to help maintain the financial health of the ERWSD, and to help build on opportunities to expand our water supply.

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Rick Sackbauer:  4/29/14  6:56 AM

1.     What are the pro's and con's associated with the proposed tax increase and de-brucing waiver. 

The pros are that the total cost of General Obligation bonding is $1.8M less than Revenue bonds over 30 years and that the cost to the District’s customers is deductible on Federal taxes.

The con is the cost of the election.

2.     What changes might you make to the organization and operation of the ERWSD to insure that it functions within its revenue limitations?

The District acts in a financially responsible manner. It has a thoughtful, thorough plan developed to fund the needed improvements. The TABOR question needs to pass.

3.     Why not or why  should the ERWSD assume the responsibility to oversee and administer the operation of storm water collection and treatment system.  If not, who should?

Community problem will require a community solution.  Since there are no applicable regulations, there is no clear delineation of responsibility.  Partnership is the key.  ALL parties, including TOV, CDOT, ERWSD and the County are currently highly motivated and active in addressing the problem. As a board member I will continue to support the energy, look for funding mechanisms, continue to keep the community informed, educated and aware of the urgency. 

4.     How and why are you qualified to serve as a member of the ERWSD Board of Directors?

My experience includes statewide, regional and local participation on water issues. That includes involvement with entities like the Vail Valley Consolidated Water District, the Eagle River Sanitation District, the Eagle Park Reservoir Board, the Northwest Colorado Council of Governments Water Quality and Quantity, participation on the Citizen Advisory Committee to the Denver Water Board, involvement in the Statewide Water Supply Initiative, the Colorado Basin Round Table and statewide experience working with the Colorado Foundation for Water Education.

Under my leadership on the Eagle River Water and Sanitation District Board, we have accomplished some great things, including: the Black Lakes Expansions and Agreement on Summer Water with the CWCB, the Gore Creek Water Quality Improvement Plan, instigation of the Vail Golf Course irrigation system, the treated water component of the Ski and Snowboard Club Vail Golden Peak snowmaking system, the interconnection of Water Systems from East Vail to Edwards, and the snowmaking pumpback with Vail Resorts for municipal use.

I also have experience on the wastewater side of the equation. I am particularly proud of my work on the Wastewater Master Plan for the plants in Vail, Avon and Edwards and also the planning of the Wolcott Wastewater Facility.

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