Results of Member Survey Re: Water Service to Zion Crossroads

June, 2012

Note:  Following the presentation by the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission on June 26, 2012, the Chamber conducted a member survey to gauge support for the County’s investing in water and sewer infrastructure for the Zion Crossroads area.  This included the opportunity to provide comments, which appear below exactly as they were submitted, with no editing or proofreading.

41 responded to the survey

1. Based on the information presented by the TJPDC at the June 26 members' meeting (available for review online, under Current Projects find: TJPDC Water/Sewer Return on Investment, Aqua Unsolicited PPEA Project, and Economic Development Presentation 06-06-12), do you support Fluvanna County's investment in developing the infrastructure for water and sewer service to Zion Crossroads?

YES - 90.2% (37 respondents)

NO - 9.8% (4 respondents)

Comments:

• 1.       I think we need to explore all avenues not just the Aqua Virginia Pipeline proposal. There is a definate need for business in the County and the Zion CrossRoads Area is a growing area. The concern is Aqua has been running the facility at the Lake. In the past 7 years the rate has increased three fold. If Aqua owns the pipeline and maintains the pipeline what is to stop it from raising the rate like they have at the Lake. Since the County will bill the businesses, when and if the rates increase as they have at the Lake it could reflect poorly on the County.
• 2.       Hurry up!
• 3.       I did not attend the presentation, I was out of town; however, I do support it. I feel it is vital for our county to progress. I want managed growth, more businesses to help the tax base, but not to lose our rural heritage. I think developing the Zion Crossroads area, on the Fluvanna County side, is a wise investment. Water and sewer is a piece of that puzzle.
• 4.       We need large retail business to help offset taxes. Fluvanna citizens will spend money in their own county and not have the need to travel to Charlottesville or Richmond.
• 5.       I'm for w/s coming to Zion Crossroads but not under the scenario being presented. The County is near broke. Let some dust settle. We don't even know what it is going to cost to operate the new school. I haven't seen or heard of any company beating the county door in to come to Zion Crossroads.
• 6.       Getting water to Zion's Crossroads is necessary to attract more businesses to Fluvanna County. I am, however, extremely skeptical about partnering with Aqua VA. How can we be sure that what happened with water rates to Lake Monticello won't happen with this new pipeline? It sounds attractive in presentation - the amount of revenue that the county can potentially generate, the county's control of water rates, however, Aqua VA does have control over the rate they charge Fluvanna. Regardless if the representative from Aqua VA says they are monitored or governed by an agency to keep rates in check, they raised water rates here with little impact from the monitoring agency. I understand we were told the rate increase was due to infrastructure changes, however, I learned last night that they are only running at a 50% capacity. It sounds like Aqua VA has it all figured out with this new business they are going to create. Aqua VA customer service is horrible for Lake Monticello residents. There isn't a local office to talk to someone in person, and the people who answer the phone from afar dismiss problems rather than try to help solve them in regards to misread water meters or a malfunctioning water meter. I have huge mistrust working with Aqua VA. Has the planning committees and personnel ever considered other options for getting water other than through Aqua VA? Or has any legal counsel be consulted about a contract that would reasonably protect Fluvanna County from huge unexpected increases of water costs from Aqua VA? I think before you can generate much support from the community, especially the Lake Monticello community, for working with Aqua VA, you will need to rebuild trust and successfully show residents that what happened to them won't happen to the county.
• 7.       I would just like to see more information on the revenue and cost sharing proposals. I think the numbers really have to be ironed out. In my mind this is the only growth area that the county has and if we do not support it with infrastructure then we are doomed to just keep raising taxes to pay for things.
• 8.       This should be priority one, will provide much needed employment, services and tax revenues to Fluvanna-DWW
• 9.       This way pass due. Fluvanna County needs to get wth it Now!!! The water sewer is well needed at this time and should have happen 5 years ago in order to bring in bigger business to level out taxes and make being a resident in this country more enjoy able. Time and cost to travel to quality shopping that is in Richmond or Charlottesville would hold residence here longer. Better quality food marketing, entertament, Clothing, sporting and Quality social life of new hip marketing, social gathering, family friend smoke free clean bars and restaurants. ConsIder this strongly. At this time Lake Monticello and Sycamore square have more young professional families and individuals. Not fork union sorry to say there is no appeal there at all. This is Not a retirement community nor should younger residence be bossed out by poor choices in community planning. Bring in the water asap
• 10.   It's to late, the horse is out of the barn
• 11.   It is crucial for Fluvanna to move forward with this project. Louisa made the investment and it has paid in dividends for them. If Fluvanna does not act, all the business will go in to Louisa and by the time Fluvanna gets around to taking action there will be no businesses left that are interested. The Chamber needs to support this project!
• 12.   Yes, but will Louisa County & DOC help support the costs or is it all on Fluvanna tax payers?
• 13.   The project has been very well vetted and without utilities economic development benifites cannot happen.
• 14.   DEFINATELY!
• 15.   I think they're nuts if they don't!