March 27, 2024
To the Members of Community Water Company of Green Valley, (An Arizona not-for-profit corporation with members)
As we reflect on the past year, we find ourselves filled with gratitude for the support of our members and the progress we have made in securing a sustainable water future for the Green Valley-Sahuarita area. We are pleased to provide you with an update on our achievements, challenges, and plans for the future.
2023 Operations
In 2023, Community Water Company addressed significant unexpected repairs. One of our major production wells was out of service for about half the year due to casing damage, and a 2-million-gallon reservoir was out of service for several months due to the replacement of structural parts. We continue to focus on main replacements located in cul-de-sacs and roadways. We thank you for your patience during these periods of inconvenience as we strive to ensure reliable water delivery.
Over the years, we have witnessed some service expansion and growth. As of year-end 2023, we serve 13,276 active units, with 154 miles of mainline pipe and a storage capacity of 6.6 million gallons. We are seeking to expand our service area to include the recharge facilities of Project Renews.
Financial Sustainability and Service Expansion
We focus on maintaining financial sustainability; our residential water bills average $22.10 monthly, and the average residential consumption is 3,300 gallons per month. Our last rate change was in September 2016; this year, management will apply for rate adjustments to meet the rising cost of inflation and ensure our ability to deliver drinking water reliably. As a nonprofit, we are unique in our finances as all funds above expenditures are reinvested in the utility.
Water Quality
The water delivered to our members and customers met or surpassed all health and safety measures required by the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, and the Pima County Department of Environmental Quality. Our annual Water Quality Report is available on our website, www.communitywater.com.
Our Water Quality Report notes that we are not currently impacted by sulfate contamination from the local mines. A Community Advisory Group (CAG) was established as part of a sulfate mitigation order, and the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality agreed to report on the local sulfate mitigation efforts. Representatives of Community Water attend the CAG meetings.
Project Renews: A Commitment to Sustainable Water Supply
In 2007, Project Renews was initiated to bring renewable water supplies to our community, ensuring a sustainable future. This project, which connects to the Central Arizona Project (CAP) at the CAP Terminus, encompasses pipelines along roads in our region and includes a long-term lease on a recharge site. Implementing Project Renews has been a significant step towards securing our water supply without imposing additional costs on our members.
Community Engagement and Round-Up Program
Our commitment to community welfare extends beyond water supply. We actively engage with local charities, administer our successful Round-Up program, and support initiatives like Medium Green. Through partnerships with local organizations, we strive to communicate our conservation messages and address any questions or concerns you may have about our local water environment.
Local Control and Informed Decision-Making
Maintaining local control is crucial, and our volunteer directors play a pivotal role in governance. Their first-hand perspective on water supply priorities enables us to make informed decisions on long-term investments, such as proactive water main replacements, technology upgrades, and integration of new technologies like GIS mapping.
We appreciate the dedication of our directors and board consultants who invest time in attending workshops, participating in committee meetings, and staying informed about trends impacting our water resources. Our success story began in 1975 with volunteers who committed their expertise and knowledge to establish this utility, recognizing the value of safe, local, and sustainable service.
Employee Dedication
Our employees play a vital role in ensuring the reliability and efficiency of our water system. Despite facing challenges such as retirements and a competitive labor market, we proudly promote talented individuals and thank them for their achievements, reflecting our commitment to maintaining a skilled workforce. In 2023, Saul Leal, Distribution supervisor, was recognized as Small System Operator of the Year by the AZWater Association.
Looking Ahead: The Road to Sustainability
The journey that began 48 years ago is a success, thanks to our members’ support, our volunteers’ dedication, and our employees’ hard work. We look forward to your continued collaboration in securing a sustainable water future for the Green Valley-Sahuarita area. We would also like to take a moment to recognize the contribution of James R. Livingston, who passed away in December 2023. He was our President and General Manager at our founding and served our utility until October 28, 1995. He helped set the course for our success.
As we move forward, we focus on sustainability and addressing challenges head-on. We invite you to attend the annual members meeting on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 9:30 AM at the Green Valley Recreation East Center Auditorium at Esperanza Blvd and Abrego Drive, where we will discuss our achievements and plans and listen to your valuable input. Registration begins at 9:00 AM. We look forward to seeing you there.
Sincerely, Community Water Company of Green Valley
Thomas E. Cooke
Chair of the Board
Arturo R. Gabaldón
President
COMMUNITY WATER COMPANY OF GREEN VALLEY 2024 PROXY STATEMENT
This statement is furnished in connection with a solicitation by the management for proxies to be used at the Annual Meeting of the Members of the Corporation to be held at the GV Recreation East Center, 7 S Abrego Drive, Green Valley, Arizona, on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 9:30 AM.
Members in good standing at the close of business Wednesday, March 20, 2024, are entitled to vote.
The Bylaws of the Corporation do not provide for cumulative voting.
Signed proxy postcards to appoint Carol A Yarborough and Pierre Y Hanhart as proxies for the members will be executed at the meeting. Proxies may be revoked at any time, either by subsequent written revocation or in person at the meeting.
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
The Board of Directors consists of the following persons, their former or current occupation, and the year their present term as a director will expire. Directors whose terms expire in 2024 are indicated by BOLD CAPITAL LETTERS.
- ARTURO R GABALDÓN (2024), General Manager, Community Water Company of Green Valley
- TERRY GOEWERT (2024), Retired Environmental Planner
- RONALD J WOELFEL (2024), Retired Manufacturing/Industrial Engineer and Financial Analyst
- JOHN R WOERNER (2024), Retired Rates Analyst, Wholesale Electric Transmission and Power
- Thomas E Cooke (2025), Retired Trial Attorney, Cooke Lamanna Smith & Cogswell
- Heather M Graves (2025), Administrative Services Manager, Community Water Company of Green Valley
- Paul C Mena JR (2025), Retired Washington State Employee
- Paul D Williamsen (2025), Retired Scheduling Supervisor, United Technologies Chemical Systems
- Glen M Barnes (2026), Retired Procurement Manager
- Pierre Y Hanhart (2026), Controller, Community Water Company of Green Valley
- Carol A Yarborough (2026), Realtor, Long Realty
Your Board is nominating for election (name and the year each joined the Board) Arturo R Gabaldón (2006), Ronald J Woelfel (2023), and John R Woerner (2021) to serve three-year terms as directors, and Terry Goewert (2024) to fulfill a two-year vacancy as director.
The proxies for the members, named in the enclosed 2024 PROXY, are to vote such proxy for the election of the above as directors. Management is assured that each nominee is qualified and can serve as a director. Proxies intend to vote for another qualified person of any nominee who cannot accept the nomination.
OTHER BUSINESS
Management knows no other business to be brought before the meeting. Members who would like to present motions to the Board on the day of the Annual Meeting must submit these motions, in writing, with name and address to Community Water Company of Green Valley, no later than Wednesday, April 10, 2024. The meeting will follow Robert’s Rules of Order. Motions may be sent as follows:
Mail: Community Water Company of Green Valley
Attn: Secretary of the Board
1501 S La Canada Dr
Green Valley AZ 85622; or
Email: info@communitywater.com
The proxies for the members, named in the enclosed 2024 PROXY, are to vote such proxy for or against such motions before the Board in accordance with their best judgment on such matters.
Please return the enclosed proxy, or scan the QR code below with your phone to submit your proxy online, on or before Thursday, April 18, 2024.
COMMUNITY WATER COMPANY OF GREEN VALLEY NOTICE OF MEETING
To the Members of Community Water Company of Green Valley:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of Members of Community Water Company of Green Valley will be held at the GV Recreation East Center, 7 S Abrego Drive, Green Valley, Arizona, on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 9:30 AM for the following purpose:
- To elect three (3) directors each to hold office until a successor shall have been elected and qualified for a term of three (3) years; and
- To elect one (1) director to hold office until a successor shall have been elected and qualified to fulfill a two (2) year vacancy; and
- To vote on any other business properly presented at the meeting or any adjournment thereof.
The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, as the record date for determining Members entitled to receive notice of and vote at the meeting.
Registration of members attending the meeting in person will be open from 9 AM to 9:30 AM the day of the meeting, at the meeting place. Each member who does not expect to attend in person is requested to sign and return the enclosed proxy or scan the QR code below with your phone to submit your proxy online, on or before Thursday, April 18, 2024.
Community Water Company of Green Valley 2023 Financial Highlights
Water Utility Operations ($Millions)
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Notes
- Organized as an Arizona nonprofit corporation with members
- Operates a four-well system, and delivering through 154 miles of mains
- Maintains a storage capacity of 6.6 million gallons of water
- Meets the AWWA standard of a 48-hour emergency water supply
- Delivers an average of 2.1-million gallons of water daily
- Serves 12,882 active residential and 394 active business customers as of year-end 2023
- Audited financial statements are available at www.communitywater.com or by calling us at (520) 625-8409
DIRECTORS, BOARD CONSULTANTS, OFFICES, AND MANAGEMENT
As of March 29, 2024
Directors:
- Thomas E Cooke, Chair
- Paul C Mena Jr., Vice-Chair
- Arturo R Gabaldón, President
- Pierre Y Hanhart, Treasurer
- Paul D Williamsen, Assistant Treasurer
- Heather M Graves, Secretary
- Carol A Yarborough, Assistant Secretary
- Glen M Barnes
- Terry Goewert
- Ronald J Woelfel
- John R Woerner
Board Consultants:
- Virgil W Davis, Chair Emeritus
- Donna J Severidt, Treasurer Emeritus
- Jerry Bergeman
- John R Holland
Supervisors:
- John Meyer, Utility Operator
- Saul Leal, Distribution Supervisor
- Trey Harris, Treatment Supervisor
MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE MEMBERS OF COMMUNITY WATER COMPANY OF GREEN VALLEY Wednesday, April 26, 2023
Mr. Cooke opened the Annual Meeting of the Members held at GVR East Center, 7 S Abrego Dr, on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, at 9:30 AM, under the Notice of the Annual Meeting mailed to all registered members. Safety share included comments about driving safety.
Ms. Graves, Board Secretary, reported that the Board of Directors had fixed the close of business on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, as the record date for determining the members entitled to vote at the annual meeting. On that date, there were 10,504 members. Five percent (5%) or 526 members constitute a quorum for conducting business. The number of voting members present (24) and by proxy (1,341), for a total of 1,365. Ms. Graves announced the suspending of the reading of the 2023 Notice of Meeting and minutes of April 27, 2022, Annual Meeting of the Members, without objection. The minutes of the 2022 Annual Meeting of Members were distributed and accepted as presented.
Ms. Graves officiated over the election of directors. Upon a motion duly made and seconded by Arturo Gabaldón, the members elected Glen M Barnes, Pierre Y Hanhart, Gary A McBride, Paul C Mena Jr., and Carol A Yarborough, each to serve as a Director for three-year terms ending in 2026, with 1,365 votes in favor, and none opposed.
Mr. Cooke, Chair, Mr. Gabaldón, President, and Mr. Hanhart, Treasurer presented reports. Ms. Graves reported no unfinished or new business. Mr. Cooke addressed questions and comments. The meeting adjourned at 10:26 AM.
ATTEST:
Heather Graves, Clerk of the Board