The Haxtun-Fleming Herald - What can we reason but from what we know? -Alexander Pope

Letter to the Editor,

This letter is addressed to those who live in or have property in the Frenchman Groundwater Management District. The November Election Ballot includes ballot measure 7B. We are asking voters to allow the Frenchman Groundwater Management Board to seek and retain moneys, or in other words, to “DeBruce.”

The Frenchman Groundwater Management District has never had a lot of cash in reserves for emergencies and has never intended on keeping large sums of money in reserve. However, with dwindling aquifer levels, State regulations and increases in inflation plus general operating costs, the FMGMD is concerned about future fund reserves. While the 7B initiative does not allow for increased water rates or a mill levy increase, it will allow us to obtain and keep outside funding for district objectives. For example, last year the Republican River Water Conservation District offered grants to Groundwater Management Districts for research and implementation of conservation plans. Frenchman would like to apply for these types of grants, "DeBruceing” would allow us to confidently make those applications. Currently, Frenchman is not asking for a rate increase, just the

opportunity to be creative in improving our current financial dilemma/challenges. We are asking for a yes vote on 7B.

FMGMD Board Member

Steven Meakins,

Haxtun