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Ramah district accepts county aid for planning grant, adopts $20 "vacation mode" and hires auditor
Summary
At its March 11 meeting the Ramah Water & Sanitation District approved a $9,450 agreement with McKinley County for WTB planning grant procurement, adopted a $20-per-month vacation billing policy for absent customers, and hired High Desert CPAs LLC as auditor for FY2025.
Ramah Water & Sanitation District board members voted unanimously March 11 to accept McKinley County’s offer to administer procurement and provide oversight for an upcoming WTB planning grant, approved a new "vacation mode" billing option for seasonal customers, and hired a new auditor for fiscal 2025.
The board accepted a county-provided scope of work and quote of $9,450 for procurement, contracting assistance, project oversight, billing assistance and budget tracking related to the WTB planning grant. Board member Shawna Grassie moved to accept the county’s agreement and Michael Croley seconded; the motion passed with all present voting "Aye." Board members discussed that, after the county completes a formal procurement and receives bids, the district would have input in selecting an engineering firm.
The board also adopted a formal "vacation mode" billing policy to allow customers who are absent for a full 30-day billing cycle to be billed a flat $20 monthly fee that covers water, the well fee, a maintenance fee and applicable sales tax. Whitney River-Croley moved to adopt the policy; Michael Croley seconded and the measure passed unanimously. Under the policy the operator will shut the water at the meter for customers on vacation mode; customers are responsible for draining pipes if they choose to do so.
On auditing, the board voted to hire High Desert CPAs LLC for a Tier 6 audit at a quoted price of $6,500 plus tax for fiscal year 2025. Michael Croley moved to hire the firm for a one-year engagement to assess performance; Shawna Grassie seconded and the motion carried unanimously.
Procedural votes earlier in the meeting included approval of minutes from Feb. 11 and Feb. 18, 2025. The board adjourned at 8:07 p.m.
Votes at a glance - McKinley County agreement for WTB planning grant assistance: motion by Shawna Grassie; seconded by Michael Croley; outcome: approved unanimously; county quote: $9,450 (previously discussed $60,000+). - Vacation-mode billing policy (30-day minimum, $20 per month): motion by Whitney River-Croley; seconded by Michael Croley; outcome: approved unanimously. - Auditor hire (High Desert CPAs LLC, FY2025): motion by Michael Croley; seconded by Shawna Grassie; outcome: approved unanimously; quoted cost: $6,500 plus tax.
The board did not take a final action on hiring legal counsel for water-rights adjudication matters but agreed to place the item on the agenda for an executive session at a future meeting.
