Schwana water accounting under investigation

SCHWANA - The Grant County Sheriff's Office is looking into the accounting practices of the Sentinel Gap Water Association, which provides potable water to this community.

Deputy Josh Sainsbury said last Thursday that there is an investigation, but he would not elaborate. He was scheduled to collect SGWA records that day from new SGWA president Alfredo Gutierrrez.

According to Gutierrrez, elected at a special meeting on Oct. 8, five deputies came to another special SGWA meeting on Dec. 10. They were there to take statements from water users who claim money they have paid has not been credited to their accounts.

Only two of the deputies stayed for the meeting when it became apparent they weren't all needed.

"Besides the board, we have about 15 people," Gutierrez said. "Five of them signed statements."

Gutierrez said those five brought receipts they got for cash payments. They said the SGWA records did not reflect the amounts on the receipts. Gutierrez said other water users have made similar claims but may not have the proof.

According to Gutierrez, about 20 of the 56 accounts are questionable. He said deputies told him "something is wrong here."

Gutierrez said records on some accounts show the customer owning as much as $2,000, but not once has service been cut. Other accounts show recent adjustments in favor of customers to the tune of hundreds of dollars.

"It's a mess," Gutierrez said. "Some of those people may owe that money, but I believe most of them have paid it and it just hasn't been recorded."

Schwana water users are charged $40 per month for 2,000 cubic feet (1,800 gallons) of water, Gutierrez.