TCPUD is central to our community, providing water and sewer while supporting recreation we love and wildfire protection we rely on. As a science-driven CFO, I connect organizational goals to transparent, sensible spending. In Tahoma, I recently created a Firewise Community, lowering insurance costs and improving wildfire safety.
Recent water system acquisitions enriched private owners while rebuild estimates to improve fire protection ballooned from “unknown” to $37M, $60M, $72M, now $85M. In 2029, annual water and sewer service (before any usage) will cost customers $2,850 to $4,234, higher than any neighboring district. These increases (42-57%) stem from the no-bid contract with Granite, and paying the proposed debt. With costs already $48M above the 2024 Rate Study, additional increases may follow. Residents also face five-figure bills to move water lines.
Cost of living is a challenge here. Competitive bidding and drawing on some of TCPUD’s $56M cash would allow more moderate rate increases while still improving reliability and wildfire safety.
I want to put my skills to work for our community, and offer voters a clear choice: fiscal responsibility and transparency in governing the TCPUD, with continued funding for residents’ recreational opportunities. Thank you for your vote.