News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon
In a written report to members, the company noted that several operational changes have been made in the wake of the embezzlement of over $54,000 in company funds by its former bookkeeper Nancy Simpson.
Simpson, who was employed as an independent contractor, pleaded guilty to theft in the case and was sentenced to 60 months probation June 14. Restitution to the water company is a requirement of her plea agreement, but she is only required to pay $100 per month to meet her probation conditions. Water company board members and users indicated that they do not expect full recovery of the stolen funds.
The report noted that "we trusted Nancy 100 percent. We learned that a business managed on trust is not well managed. We have corrected this problem."
The water company's new bookkeeper is an employee of the company and employees are now covered for theft up to $25,000.
"What's past is past and we've got a new start," said board chairman Merle Mosar.
The company may also face changes in how homeowners are represented on the company board of directors. Several homeowners argued at the meeting for a change in company bylaws to ensure representation from each of the homeowners' associations and subdivisions in the area served by Indian Meadow Water Company.
Felix Hammack, a homeowner served by the company, told The Nugget that he would like to see a board position allocated for each subdivision or homeowner's association, with each entity electing a representative from among its membership.
"It would decentralize it one step further," Hammack said, making the process more democratic.
The water company board agreed to take written proposals for changes to the company bylaws until July 20. The board will create a proposal for changes in board representation and present it to members by October 1.
Board members Dave Goodwin and Cal Allen told The Nugget that they thought some changes would help improve communication among the 235 users served by the company.
The demands for change did not sit well with Mosar. Mosar left the meeting, announcing that "whatever you decide to do, I want no part of it."
Mosar told The Nugget that he objects to what he sees as the politicization of a business.
"We aren't trying to play politics; we don't want to be politicized," Mosar said. "We're an operating company, that's all. We turn valves and we open pump water, that's it."
Mosar said he has been asked to reconsider his resignation but he has not yet decided whether he will go back.
The company's financial report shows that the company is solvent with cash on hand as of May 31 totaling $23,342.27.
Jim Cornelius is editor in chief of The Nugget and author of “Warriors of the Wildlands: True Tales of the Frontier Partisans.” A history buff, he explores frontier history across three centuries and several continents on his podcast, The Frontier Partisans. For more information visit www.frontierpartisans.com.
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