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Chester council reaffirms opposition to water authority privatization, appoints Thomas Moore to board
Summary
Councilers voted to resend Resolution 166-2021 opposing privatization of the Chester Water Authority and directed future appointees to reject privatization; the body also appointed Thomas Moore to fill an unexpired board term and recorded that Moore will not accept a salary.
Chester City Council on March 25 formally moved to resend Resolution 166-2021 and instructed future Chester Water Authority appointees to oppose privatization and ensure any monetization keeps the authority in public hands. The council also voted to appoint Thomas Moore to fill an unexpired five-year term on the water authority board.
During the meeting the receiver and the mayor both emphasized the importance of keeping water-system assets publicly controlled. The mayor framed the resend as a direct message to the receiver and other officials, saying the council was “telling the receiver in no uncertain terms” not to sell the water authority to a private company. Vijay Kapoor, the receiver, had earlier urged the council to make a clear statement of policy opposing privatization.
The council then voted to appoint Thomas Moore to the Chester Water Authority board; members noted on the record that Moore will not accept the board’s paid stipend. The clerk called the roll and the motion passed on recorded votes.
Council action rescinds and replaces the city’s prior posture referenced in Resolution 166-2021 (dated October 13, 2021). Council members said the decision is intended to protect city interests as receivership and monetization discussions continue. The motion and the appointment are now part of the official record; no further administrative details about Moore’s role or next steps were provided during the March 25 meeting.
