St. Helena Public Forum Called Amid Water Rates Outcry

ST. HELENA, CA — St. Helena residents and Mayor Alan Galbraith will discuss water issues during a special public town hall forum this evening. The meeting is in response to an agreement last month to end a recall effort against Galbraith. Recall proponents claimed the mayor was not concerned about the city's water security, its fiscal management and the need to upgrade the system.

Severn Williams, a spokesman for the residents, said there is public concern that large wineries and hospitality businesses that use tens of millions of gallons of water are not charged the true cost of supplying
the water and put an unfair burden on other water users.

Residents want a fairly priced water system for all users and binding contracts in place for large-scale water users, Williams said in a news release about the forum.

As part of the agreement to end the recall effort, public forums were scheduled over the next two months to discuss the city's water issues and its fiscal management, Williams said.

Retired Napa County Superior Court Judge Scott Snowden will serve as a mediator at the meetings.

Galbraith said this morning that the forum will include a general discussion about the water issues and rates.

The forum is scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Native Sons Hall at 1313 Spring St. in St. Helena.

By Bay City News Service

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