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Running against incumbent Bonnie Neeley for a position on the board of the Georgetown Divide Public Utility District, is Maria Capraun.
A resident of Georgetown, but not a ratepayer, Capraun said she is running because she’s retired now and has time to serve on the board. In addition she feels the district “is really heading in the wrong direction.”
Capraun described her qualifications as that of a concerned citizen and a former board clerk.
“I am familiar with board duties. I have created policies and procedures. I have followed the district for many years. But your true qualification is that you reside within the district,” she said.
Capraun said she’s very familiar with how the district operates and its infrastructure as she used to work for the U.S. Forest Service and one of her duties was monitoring the water level at Stumpy Meadows. Her last position was with the Garden Valley Fire Protection District where she worked as an administrative officer and board clerk before retiring.
She stated the district budget is one of her biggest concerns. She claims that for the last four years, the district has run a deficit according to their audits. “And the district is projecting $90,000 budget deficits in future years,” she said.
“These are their documents. I didn’t make anything up,” she said. “The district is not doing well financially. It is financially sound as a whole, but if you follow their budget trends, they are decreasing their net assets every year. They do have a surplus, but you don’t want to use it just for operating expenses.”
Capraun also questions the $250,000 compensation package that General Manager Hank White receives. She claimed that, in comparison, the compensation package for the general manager of El Dorado Irrigation District is $210,000. “Is that justifiable?” she asked. “That’s an issue.”
White’s salary $150,000 and the EID GM’s salary is $165,000.
Saying that she would be a better board member than the incumbent, Capraun said Neeley has not represented the best interests of the public. She said Neeley ran on a platform of making cuts, but in her first year, employees received a 4 percent raise in salary and the fiscal year ended with a deficit of $1.2 million in net assets.
Capraun asserts she is not an advocate for lowering water rates, but she does think that more prudent financial management is needed. “We have to be more responsible in our handling of issues.”
Capraun said the now abandoned plans for the Greenwood Plant were a fiasco because they included a far more complex and expensive treatment process than was needed. She also claimed the retrofit of the Auburn Lake Trails Treatment Plant (ALT) could have been completed using a less costly treatment method.
“ALT does need upgrading. But the loan is for 40 years when the life of the plant is 40 years. That’s not responsible. You need to work on what you need to fix as you go along instead of increasing the rate to ratepayers.”
Capraun said at this point she wants the district to continue working with the state on the retrofit, but would prefer that plans be scaled back and the work be more within the means of the district.
Offering solutions
Capraun believes there are solutions that address both fiscal shortfalls and threats to the area’s water supply. One is to increase the customer base by making connection fees more competitive. She said she decided to drill a well on her property rather than hook up to the district because of the sizeable difference in cost. Currently she says it costs $9,200 to hook up to the district.
Another solution is to reduce the amount of water lost each year. Capraun claims the district loses 40 percent of its water on a yearly basis from evaporation and loss.
“The state may take our water because it looks like the district is not taking good care of it,” she said. ”We have to show that we need the water we have.”
Her solution is to install more pipes in the ditches so that even if the district’s water allocation is reduced, it won’t affect the area because less water is lost.”The ditch system is what the district was built on, but I’d like to replace it with a system of pipes as much as possible and add more ditch customers.”
Capraun also thought the water district should work more closely with the fire department to both increase water storage capacity and jointly pursue grants. She said the chance of being awarded a grant would be higher if it was a joint project.
More policies and procedures
Capraun complained of a lack of accountability at the district both on the part of staff and the board. She attributes that to a lack of policies and procedures and abdication on the board’s part of its responsibilities.
“The board is supposed to set procedures and guidelines and the staff implements them. The board does not do this and does not understand their job. They are an issue. That is why I am running. You need to be accountable and they are not.”
As an example, she cited the accounting services contract that was approved at the board’s Oct. 9 meeting. She thought the final contract should have been approved by the board rather than leaving it to the general manager.
“Why say yes to something when there is so little information presented?” she asked. “They (staff) did it responsibly — maybe — but you needed to give it to the board to make the decision.” Capraun thought what was needed was a policy for the general manager to follow on how a contract would be presented to the board when an employee resigns.
Capraun said that in general, ratepayers are happy with the quality of water they receive from the district. “We have very good water,” she said, “but the quality of service is an issue.”
She said it takes too long for staff to get back to people with a complaint or a question. “That’s a sign that something is wrong. All of that stuff can be addressed with policies. We need uniformity in everything we do.”
In closing, Capraun said she would really like to see a new direction for the board and some unity. “I just want more,” she said.
Contact Dawn Hodson at 530-344-5071 or dhodson@mtdemocrat.net. Follow @DHodsonMtDemo on Twitter.
The Mountain Democrat does not necessarily condone the comments here, nor does it review every post. Read our full policy
Check this one outOctober 16, 2012 - 7:51 pm
http://www.inedc.com/1-2465
Dink LaneOctober 17, 2012 - 2:41 pm
"Capraun said she is running because she’s retired now and has time to serve on the board." Dawn.... Did you even talk to this woman? She is the most passionate candidate I have seen in a long time. She is anything BUT "Ah, I have some time on my hands, I think I will do something..... Dawn, talk to her again.... You really swayed this interview into the dark side. No wonder the other candidate, Pat Snelling, who is running against the Incumbent, Krizl, didn't agree to an interview ($5 says the MD was waiting to endorse Neeley and Krizl -- any takers?)..... Dawn, Go back to Journalism class...
Greg PradaOctober 17, 2012 - 3:51 pm
Having first hand seen Ms. Capraun in action more than a half dozen times, I second Mr. Lane's glowing assessment of her. Look at Maria's website www.maria4gdpud.com (plan to stay awhile)to see how deeply she has delved into GDPUD issues. GDPUD and EID need Directors like Maria Capraun who exhaustively do their homework and are passionate about putting ratepayers first...ahead of self-serving interests of incumbent directors and General Managers who spend money like water and can't seem to be able to be truthful in what they tell the public.
Just sayingOctober 17, 2012 - 7:58 pm
A Prada/Lane endorsement has some negative overtones. Two people with a lot to say, but neither has the brass to run for this position themselves. Of course, the GVFPD has had more than a few issues and now that is the launching pad to GDPUD. What is in the water up there on the divide? Geez...
Robert from ALT, Cool, CAOctober 18, 2012 - 12:24 am
I went the ALT Candidates Forum tonight and I'd say any objective voter would have to come away knowing Maria Capraun and Pat Snelling would be the best representatives for the public. They were well prepared and did their homework, providing their backup for their views. Incumbents Bonnie Neeley and Norm Krizl sang the same old tune, blaming Directors Bonnie McLane and Kathy Otermat for the turmoil. We voted for McLane and Otermat to represent us, verify, research and NOT rubberstamp the over-paid GM' actions. We don't need to keep the Good Old GDPUD Boy's club alive and well. Time for a pair of fresh eyes and minds to keep the momentum going, where ratepayers best interests and long-term fiscal health is the primary goal. Thank you to both Capraun and Snelling for having the balls to run for GDPUD Director inspite of the hostile climate that current Director's NORM Krizl and BONNIE Neeley have created. Neeley is right about one thing, the community is tired of all the nasty rhetoric; and she and Krizl are the main source for this BS. You had your chance and you both chose to protect the GDPUD GM and now you both trash talk about the two Directors that actually work FOR the public. Good riddens to the incumbents!
JR NelsonOctober 18, 2012 - 3:44 pm
EL DORADO COUNTY GRAND JURY 2007-2008 Garden Valley Fire Protection District Case No. GJ 07- 020 RESULTS OF INVESTIGATION During the time frame of 2005-2007, GVFPD Board of Directors and the two prior Fire Chiefs revealed a high degree of palpable dysfunction and bouts of acrimony among themselves. The common theme by most members of the Board of Directors and a former Chief was to proclaim ignorance of policies, procedures and ultimate responsibility of the events which resulted in the questionable hiring of a payroll consultant. The Board of Directors was negligent in carrying out their fiduciary duties relative to proper oversight of Fire Chief(s) and the GVFPD employees. The Board as a whole did not demonstrate a clear understanding of the budgetary and fiscal controls that were their responsibilities. The Fire Chief(s) neglected to properly oversee administrative and personnel issues. Their lack of oversight was directly responsible for the atmosphere that allowed the breakdown of proper budgetary and fiscal controls. Additionally, such failures of supervision prompted administrative personnel to act independently of the Board and the Chief(s) controls over budgetary and administrative policies. FINDINGS In accordance with the California Penal Code §933 and §933.05, each finding will be responded to by the government entity to which it was addressed. The responses are to be submitted to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court. The 2007-2008 El Dorado County Grand Jury has arrived at the following findings: 1. For over three decades, payroll, accounting and accounts payable services were provided by the El Dorado County Auditor-Controller’s office at no cost to the District. The GVFPD Board of Directors decided to withdraw the GVFPD funds from the County Auditor-Controller. This decision doesn’t appear to be based on any viable alternative to the services that were being performed by the County. Furthermore, GVFPD did not offer a rational explanation to the Auditor- Controller’s office as to why the funds were withdrawn. The GVFPD recently decided to go back into the El Dorado Auditor-Controller’s program and work with the Auditor’s office to re-establish fiscal oversight. The overall cost to GVFPD withdrawing from the Auditor-Controller’s office and eventually returning to the County has yet to be determined. 9 2. The GVFPD Board of Directors was negligent in their fiduciary responsibilities to the citizens of the District by their failure to properly oversee the operation of the Department. Lack of control with hiring procedures resulted in the District contracting with a person (to perform District financial transactions) who had previously plead guilty to grand theft and selling securities without a license. Additionally, this consultant misrepresented his qualifications but was not immediately terminated when this information was provided to the District. Contract agreements for financial services were not formalized in writing nor approved by the Board. 3. The Fire Chief is ultimately responsible for the supervision and oversight of Fire District personnel. The previous Fire Chief(s) were negligent in their oversight of the administration and personnel issues which led to conflicts within the Department. Former Fire Chief(s) allowed administrative personnel to develop a pattern of insubordination and bypass the chain of command. By not addressing these affronts to the Fire Chiefs' authority, administrative personnel were allowed to operate with impunity affecting the good order and function of the Fire District. 4. Financial obligations were/are delinquent and inaccurate, including both payroll and billing to United States Forest Service (USFS). The result of these actions could cost the District thousands of dollars in repayment and expenses. 5. The contract with USFS for the All Risk Team was poorly managed. Problems include inaccurate record keeping, incorrect payments to employees and mishandling of Government funds. 6. The financial controls and budgetary process in GVFPD that were found to be deficient are now in the process of being corrected by the current Board of Directors and Fire Chief. Maria gave herself raises without board approval to the tune of $80,000.00 per year. Hired her new daughter-in-law to assist her. Cut checks for the district without board approval or signature. You really want her at GPUD? Oh, did I mention she sued the District after being let go from the audit findings? Cost Garden Valley residents a lot of money. Now she wants to do it to the whole Divide.
JR NelsonOctober 18, 2012 - 3:53 pm
As a result of Maria's lack of financial knowledge, the Garden Valley Fire Dept. had to pay out $200,000 to employees, $55,000 to the State Compensation Fund to correct her errors and omissions. You really want her on the GPUD board?
JR NelsonOctober 18, 2012 - 3:55 pm
The only flow I see she is familiar with is the flow of district money into her pocket.
JR NelsonOctober 18, 2012 - 3:57 pm
Oh, and if you are thinking about voting for Pat Snelling, two peas in a pod.
Evelyn VeerkampOctober 18, 2012 - 4:16 pm
MR NELSON: MARIA CAPRAUN HAS ELSEWHERE COMMENTED AS FOLLOWS: "Mr. Nelson as a former Director your lack of knowledge is amazing. It was the Chief that gave himself a raise. Jo Cleaver, Director, soon to take over my position and life partner of the Assistant Chief that opened the bank accounts and they had 7 signers on the 3 accounts. I did not hire anyone. As for the Auditors report it was a reflection of the statements made by the Administration of the District, not fact. It was your own insurance attorneys that dismissed this information the last time you tried to say it. I did not go to the Sacramento Bee they came to me. Maria"
Evelyn VeerkampOctober 18, 2012 - 4:18 pm
AND CAPRAUN ADDED THIS: "I left off the Grand Jury portion of the misinformation you posted. The Grand Jury report was tainted by misinformation provided from the District. Remember the burning of barrels of documents in the back of the station. But I kept copies and provided them to the Grand Jury after the report was published and they told me to make it public because they had already written the report and could not take testimony from me. Maria"
Mark - Garden Valley ResidentOctober 19, 2012 - 11:35 am
So this JR Nelson is the alias of Rick Nelson who departed his role on the board to "pursue a business opportunity". Yeah right. This scumbag in our community was right in the center of all the illegal, unethical actions going on in the Garden Valley Fire District. For Rick Nelson to now rise up as JR Nelson on the Mt. Democrat comments is a joke. Your absence from the board is welcome and regarding the last comment - yes tainted evidence was indeed passed on by Rick Nelson to cover up his part in wrongdoing. I can't believe you think the good people of the Divide would even give one thought about your opinions. Even if you did send it as JR Nelson. If Rick Nelson says don't vote for Maria Capraun and Pat Snelling, then that's a good enough reason for us TO vote for them. I guess Rick Nelson really hates it when smart women call the good old boys on their games and hold their feet to the fire. Geez Rick Nelson - you are an incredibly sour bitter person who is mad because someone couldn't let you get away with all your shananigans. Sad.
Maria CapraunOctober 19, 2012 - 4:15 pm
Mr. Nelson, You are an ignorant man, your statements are all incorrect once again. Regarding the overtime to the volunteers and the worker’s compensation that you happened to mentioned. Let me explain this once again and try to pay attention. The billing for these individuals was as volunteers for the All Risk Team as it was called at that time. All billing was completed as stated in the contract; this was backed up with the CPA report in January 2008. All payments were audited by the federal government prior to submitting a check to the department. Each payment before made required the Chief to sign as true and correct of which was done. So, the billing was correct, audited and approved by your Chief, still with me. The funds included overtime due the volunteers based on the contract. The present Chief decided that these volunteers were contractors and told me I billed incorrectly, then he found out it was illegal to subcontract within the contract and changed these individuals to part time employees. This action affected the workers compensation. The $200,000 was over time due the volunteers that the Chief refused to allow me to pay them. The $55,000 was because of the change from volunteers to part time employees. Workers compensation audited the District in August 2007 at which time I discussed the status of the All Risk team. My instructions were to leave them as volunteers and to stop recording the seasonal summer hires, from volunteer status to part time. So to make this clear, I was instructed by State Fund Workers Compensation to only have permanent employees and volunteers for the fire employees. Do you understand this? Or do you need me to explain it again.