EWUA Board Meeting | Public utility petition, Clark Well costs, Board election

||| FROM CORY HARRINGTON |||

The Eastsound Water Users Association (EWUA) Board met Tuesday evening, October 20, 2026 with several notable developments involving public ownership, capital expenditures, and the upcoming Board election.

Members Preparing Petition to Explore Public Ownership

During the meeting’s only public comment, an EWUA member informed the Board that a group of members is preparing a petition requesting a feasibility study of transitioning EWUA to public ownership through a potential partnership with the Eastsound Sewer & Water District (ESWD).

The proposal would initiate a nonbinding evaluation of the financial, operational, and governance implications of public ownership, not an immediate transfer of the utility.

A Board member stated that the petition would require 125 signatures and commented that he “would like to see a real good discussion” if the effort moved forward.

Clark Well Project: $200,000 Still Needed

The General Manager reported that approximately $200,000 in expenses remain to complete the Clark Well Project, including $90,000 approved for interior equipment and installation labor.

The GM acknowledged that the project began approximately four years ago. The additional expenses raise questions about the project’s final cost and completion timeline.

Third Board Candidate Denied Entry

The upcoming Board election will feature only the two incumbents, Teri Nigretto and Mike Speece.

According to Leith Templin, a third candidate submitted an application but was denied entry after missing the deadline by approximately one hour.

Members were informed that an election reminder would be sent October 22, voting would open November 2, and close November 11.

Other Meeting Business

• EWUA’s new operator will move into the recently purchased Madrona Street property. The Board report referenced a 5% interest rate associated with the acquisition.
• Water metering improvements are underway to improve billing accuracy.
• Office staff have met three times with an organizational consultant.
• September meeting minutes were approved without changes.
• Employee Handbook revisions were tabled.
• The Board entered an executive session following the public meeting, with no further votes anticipated.

Meeting Notice and Transparency

I did not receive advance notice of the meeting, no updated meeting information appeared on the EWUA website, and no agenda was provided beforehand.

With significant decisions involving infrastructure spending, Board elections, and the utility’s future, timely communication and opportunities for member participation remain especially important.

This summary is based on notes taken by an EWUA member attending the October 20, 2026 Board meeting and is not an official record.