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Cottonwood Ranch residents press Casa Grande council over MetroNet construction damage and poor communication
Summary
Residents of the Cottonwood Ranch neighborhood urged the City Council to halt MetroNet/MetroLink work after a resident, Paul Hay, reported unmarked utility bores, damaged irrigation and driveways, sinkholes and poor contractor communication, and asked the city to follow up with the company and homeowners.
Paul Hay, a Cottonwood Ranch resident, told the Casa Grande City Council on Jan. 13 that crews installing MetroNet (referred to in the transcript as MetroLink/MetroNet) had left flags, unmarked utilities and visible damage across his neighborhood and that neither the city nor Pinal County could provide homeowners with plot-plan information.
"They put flags right across my front yard," said Paul Hay, who gave his address as 1831 North Westfall Lane. He said workers had cut irrigation, damaged sewer pipes and left mounds and sinkholes. He added that when he contacted the company and city staff he received inconsistent responses and that a MetroNet supervisor later told him homeowners were responsible for locating irrigation systems.
Hay said the pattern of damage and what he described as messy work by the contractor had left neighbors feeling alarmed about future underground failures and repair costs. "A sewer line is $10,000. A driveway is $25,000," he said, noting that most homeowners cannot afford those repairs.
The council did not discuss the matter in detail because it was not on the agenda, but staff acknowledged receipt of Hay's complaint and the mayor asked city staff (Larry/Steven) or another staff member to follow up with him. Council members encouraged staff to contact Hay and other speakers for details.
Why it matters: Residents described risks to private property and uncertain responsibility for damaged irrigation and buried utilities. With the contractor operating in tight front yards, residents seek clearer marking, inspection and a commitment that the company or responsible party will pay for any construction-caused damage.
What happens next: The mayor said staff would have a record of Hay's comments and would follow up; the council did not take formal action or halt work at the meeting. The transcript indicates the city clerk noted the complaint for staff follow-up and asked staff to contact the resident.
