By Patric Hedlund

In 13 months Water Operator Kris Hollands “has done wonders to bring the wells and distribution system of the Lebec County Water District up to standard,” said Darren Hager as he discussed his own January resignation from the LCWD board. Hollands will be moving on to a new position in metropolitan Los Angeles on February 7.

Hager’s resignation was the subject of a special meeting of the board Friday, Jan. 28. He has served for about five years, much of that as president. In an interview, Hager cautions about the risks of the board reverting to a time when conflict of interest among board members was allegedly commonplace and special interests allegedly expected special privileges.

There are vital actions the board needs to take, Hager said, “but it is not taking vital votes and moving forward.” He mentioned the need to adjust the district’s rate schedule, the need to address the level of staffing required to run the district’s operations well and the need to begin constructing a large storage tank in Chimney Canyon. Hager says he has been volunteering about 40 hours per week of his time to provide oversight and cannot do that any longer.

Interviews for Hollands’ replacement began after the special meeting. There will be a report about Hager’s resignation by Attorney Joe Hughes and LCWD customer Don Teater at the regular Monday, Feb. 7 meeting, at 7 p.m. at the LCWD office.

This is part of the February 04, 2011 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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