The information given by Ventura County Supervisor Linda Parks to the Acorn and published in your April 7 edition is erroneous and misleading. The rate increase by Triunfo Sanitation District (TSD) is a result of an increase in the price of wholesale water by our purveyor, Calleguas Municipal Water District.

As a result of the Educational Revenue Augmentation Funds property tax shifts from Calleguas to the state of California, Calleguas raised their rates, causing us to do the same. In addition, this rate raise affects only those customers in Oak Park, not every customer in the district. While these raises are unpalatable, it was not Triunfo who originated them, as this article suggests.

Secondly, the makeup of the TSD board stems from the California Health and Safety Code (section 4700 et seq.), which stipulates that the board must have a representative from both the city and the sanitation district within its boundaries.

Dennis Gillette from the city of Thousand Oaks and Jim Acosta from Ventura Regional District and Special Districts have served admirably in these positions and are valuable to the TSD board. It has been stated many times by the TSD counsel that there is no conflict of interest with either member serving on the board.

Supervisor Parks is incorrect in stating that such conflict exists.

The rehiring of Ventura Regional Sanitation District (VRSD) was done fairly and was based upon much research and consideration. The consultant engaged by the board to study costs and services delivered conclusions that the VRSD offered the better management. The staff of VRSD has done a very thorough and professional job. With all due respect to the manager of California Water Service, he was given all the information he asked for.

With regard to TSD’s investments, they were made at a time when the return on investment was higher. As anyone who has invested money knows, the rate fluctuates up and down. The board keeps a sharp eye on these investments and will act accordingly to protect the public’s money in today’s changing economy.

The lawsuit with Las Virgenes Municipal Water District was seen as a necessary evil and resulted in Triunfo now having more input in the operation of the joint venture. While it was a painful time for all concerned, issues are now being resolved in a new agreement to the satisfaction of both parties, along with a renewed spirit of cooperation and forward thinking by both boards.

Supervisor Parks was not a member of the Triunfo board at this time but she must realize the circumstances from having been involved in the lawsuit between the Ventura County Board of Supervisors and the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department.

The board of Triunfo Sanitation District has done a responsible job of guarding the ratepayers’ money and governing well. Jim Acosta and Dennis Gillette are experienced and valuable members of the board and we all work together with an excellent staff for the public interest.

Supervisor Parks has an obligation to her constituents to report the facts truthfully and fairly when she contacts the press.

Norma Callero

Vice Chair,

Triunfo Sanitation District