Kern County Grand Jury
• 2025-2026
Frazier Park Public Utility District & Lake of the Woods Mutual Water Company - To Merge or not to Merge
⚠️ Aviso de traducción: Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
⚠️ Este contenido ha sido traducido automáticamente. El texto original en inglés es la versión oficial. La traducción puede contener errores.
Findings 6 findings
F1
A state grant of $1,014,892 has been received to merge the two systems. This requires some laying of pipe and a few connections.
F2
In the proposal for the merger, it is written that the LOW customers will not bear any of the District’s debt. Location of hearing will be at the Frazier Park Recreation Building, 3801 Park Drive, Frazier Park, CA.
F3
The District is using eminent domain to obtain the site for well #8.
F4
The Eminent Domain process was started on January 8, 2024. A Prejudgment Possession was obtained on January 22, 2024; trial is set for April 12, 2027.
F5
The Nitrate issue has been mitigated by the LOW through mixing lower Nitrate wells with higher Nitrate wells, to bring the levels to government standards.
F6
Routine monthly expenditures under $3,000 require two board member signatures; three Board members’ signatures are required on checks over $3,000.
Recommendations 4
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R1The District and the LOW continue to participate in the merger talks. (Finding F1)
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R2The LOW customers should not be liable for any pre-merger debts incurred by the District. (Finding F2)
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R3The District should make every effort to obtain an easement or complete the eminent domain process before April 12, 2027. (Finding F3)
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R4Two or three board member signatures required for routine monthly expenditures is excessive and micro-management. The board should revisit this policy by June 30, 2026. (Finding F6) Comments: The Grand Jury would like to thank staff members of Frazier Park Public Utility District and Lake of the Woods Mutual Water Company for their time meeting with the Grand Jury and answering questions. NOTES: • The Frazier Park Public Utility District and Lake of the Woods Mutual Water Company should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review. • Persons wishing to receive an email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: www.kerncounty.com/grandjury • Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website: www.kerncounty.com/grandjury RESPONSE DEADLINE: • REQUIRED WITHIN 90 DAYS FROM: Frazier Park Public Utility District Board of Directors