Hearings held on MLIRD reforms

MOSES LAKE - Area residents have the chance to share their thoughts on the Moses Lake Irrigation and Rehabilitation District (MLIRD) during public hearings in Moses Lake.

Sen. Janéa Holmquist Newbry and Rep. Judy Warnick - both Republicans representing the 13th Legislative District - are inviting residents to attend and testify at two hearings held June 4 and July 16 at the Moses Lake Civic Center auditorium, 401 South Balsam Street.

Both meetings are scheduled to run from 7 to 9 p.m.

The first will begin with a work session reviewing the history and background of the MLIRD's "successes and challenges," followed by public testimony on district issues, including assessments and elections. The second meeting will solicit possible solutions.

Anyone wishing to speak at the meetings will be asked to follow testimony rules used in legislative committee hearings. The MLIRD board of directors will be invited to present and testify along with citizens.

"While there are definitely problems with the district's assessments and electoral process, I think it is important to review the many accomplishments of the district as we discuss its challenges and work out possible solutions," stated Holmquist Newbry. "I hope these hearings will provide cohesion around reforms that protect both ratepayers and the lake."

Warnick said before and during the last legislative session she heard from many concerned citizens regarding MLIRD issues.

"I promised I would continue working with them after the session," she stated. "It's important that all voices be heard in the open for the community to move forward. The goal of these meetings will be to receive citizen input before legislation is drafted in Olympia."

During the last session an MLIRD reform bill did not advance past the House Ways and Means Committee in time for the legislative deadline. The bill proposed changing voting methods and the process of increasing property taxes to fund the district.

If passed, voting rules would have changed to one vote per land owner regardless of the number of parcels. MLIRD land owners currently cast one vote per parcel of land owned within the district. The bill would also have allowed MLIRD elections to be by mail and all property tax increases would have required approval by district members.

MLIRD board member Mick Hansen traveled to Olympia early this year to have the bill introduced into the Senate, where it passed 46-1 before being stalled in House committee. Others voiced opposition to the bill, including board member Ron Covey, and many people sought public hearings similar to what District 13 legislators have now scheduled.

The meetings will be facilitated by Mike Schwisow, a former 12-year deputy director at the Washington State Department of Agriculture who has expertise on water and irrigation-district issues. Schwisow represents the Columbia Basin Development League and the state's irrigation districts - including the MLIRD.

In the months following the meetings, Holmquist Newbry and Warnick will continue to accept feedback on MLIRD issues. The lawmakers said they look forward to receiving ideas from citizens on how to resolve the MLIRD's challenges, and both have pledged to work toward a final solution based on all comments received.