Water commission approves letter responding to grand jury’s 'Palermo needs clean water' report

The Butte County Water Commission voted to approve a response letter to the Butte County grand jury report titled "Palermo needs clean water," endorsing the text as presented and directing staff to submit the commission’s response.

The letter responds to a grand jury finding about dry wells in Palermo and a recommendation that a local well driller be included on certain advisory groups. County staff member Cammy Loeser told commissioners the county’s Office of Emergency Management administers water-hauling grants and the well replacement program and that the grand jury report contained some inaccuracies about which departments administer which services. "There was a grand jury report that was, prepared and publicized ... Palermo needs clean water," Loeser said, and she detailed the county programs that provide temporary water and replacement wells.

Commissioners discussed context in Palermo, including dry wells and water-quality concerns, and heard staff describe current county efforts. A commissioner noted the report cited an estimated $11,000,000 to connect about 390 parcels — roughly $29,000 per parcel as reported in the grand-jury document — and asked whether the problem is new or long-standing. Loeser said multiple projects are underway and that staff would bring fuller responses, including to the board of supervisors, at a later meeting.

During public comment no members of the public addressed the commission on the item. Commissioner Donna Bayless moved to approve the letter "as written." The motion passed; the transcript records the measure as passing unanimously.

The commission’s approval is an advisory action; the Water Commission prepares recommendations and information for the Board of Supervisors. Staff said the county and other agencies are continuing work in Palermo on water connections, dry-well assistance, and drainage projects that staff will report on in coming meetings.