Plainview water company exploring billing options

The Plainview Water Mutual Company is looking at other options for their water billing which was previously done by the city of Lindsay.

“I believe they’re probably exploring options that are out there,” said Lindsay City Manager Rich Wilkinson.

Tamara Laken, finance director for Lindsay, said the small water company for the unincorporated community west of Strathmore has 277 accounts.

In 2004, according to Laken, Lindsay was approached by officials with the public water company to process their bills. In exchange, the water company would pay around $18,000 from a grant it had for Lindsay to upgrade computer software to handle the billing. However, said Laken, the city never received money for the upgrade. The city has only received $278 a month. According to Wilkinson, the money paid does not cover the expense of doing the billing.

“We’re not in a position to subsidize,” said Wilkinson.

The city manager said the money provided does not cover staff time or extra costs associated with Phase II of the company’s water plan which would involve the installation of meters and having city staff go out and read them.

At this time, Wilkinson said there is no enforceable contract. According to Raymond Velasquez, president of the water board, they are looking at other options.