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Questions about water accounting lead to Schwana shakeup

Royal Register Editor | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 13 years, 7 months AGO
by Royal Register EditorTed Escobar
| November 27, 2011 5:15 AM

SCHWANA - Questions about accounting at the Sentinel Gap Water Association (SGWA), which serves the community of Schwana with potable water, has led to a shakeup in leadership.

An entirely new board of directors was voted into place at a public meeting on Oct. 8. According to new President Alfredo Gutierrez, there will be a 5 p.m. meeting on Saturday, Dec. 10, at which users will be allowed to lay out their claims.

Several users have said money they have paid to the SGWA for service has not been credited to their accounts, Gutierrez said. He said letters are being sent to all known claimants inviting them to the "extraordinary" meeting with supporting evidence.

Gutierrez added that the board is inviting Grant County Sheriff Tom Jones, or his representative, in case the matter turns into something greater than questions of accounting.

The Oct. 8 meeting was held at the Church of God, of which Gutierrez is the pastor. Gutierrez said it was not intended as an election night but that former leadership gave in to the demand for an election by the 30 or so adults present.

Mike Velke was voted vice president. Eufrasina Gutierrez, wife of the president, was voted secretary-treasurer. Maximino Gracia and Martin Sanchez round out the new 5-member board.

Alfredo Gutierrez said the meeting of the 10th, will be open to the public even though it has a specific purpose. It will be held at Gutierrez's church.

Gutierrez said there will be another public meeting at 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 12. The board will report on the meeting of the 10th.

The SGWA serves 56 accounts with potable water. Gutierrez said 3-4 of the accounts appear to be inactive.

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