A community's long-awaited victory: Sundowner residents finally gain control over their water services!
For five years, the Sundowner West Meadows Mobile Home Park residents endured a water crisis due to the neglect of the previous owner, Scott Kolling. But their perseverance has paid off! After a lengthy battle, the ownership of the water services has been transferred, bringing hope and relief to the community.
Saline County Commissioner Joe Hay and Don Teeters of Redi Clean Water Well Rehab pointed fingers at Kolling, holding him accountable for the crisis. And now, the residents are taking matters into their own hands.
The new owner, Pleasant Hill water company, was formed by the very water well companies that serviced Sundowner: Well Rehab, WaterWise, and Walton Plumbing & Heating. The company's name pays homage to the mobile home park's street, a heartwarming tribute.
But here's where it gets interesting: the Pleasant Hill board of directors includes residents and representatives from these very water well companies. This unique composition ensures that decisions regarding water services are made with the community's best interests at heart. The board includes Teeters, Misty Livingston-Holmes (a resident), Jenelle Summerow (WaterWise Enterprises), Scott Walton (Walton Plumbing & Heating), and Curt Bigge (Midwest Assistance Program).
"We're thrilled to see Kolling's reign end," Teeters expressed. The ultimate goal is to eventually transfer ownership to the Sundowner residents themselves, a process that might take 12-18 months, according to Teeters.
The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) played a crucial role by filing a lawsuit against Kolling and obtaining a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity. This certificate empowers them to provide essential services in the public interest, ensuring the community's needs are met.
In a significant move, the court ordered Curt Bigge to take ownership, enabling Pleasant Hill to operate the water services. With attorneys from both sides signing off on the court order, the transition is set in motion.
The Saline County Commission is also stepping up, aiming to establish an improvement district for Sundowner. This district would provide residents with enhanced services, but it requires a petition and signatures from the residents, showcasing their active involvement.
The process doesn't end there. The improvement district must be approved by the KCC, and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) will conduct water tests and address any issues.
But there's a catch. The water well companies have not received payment from Kolling for their previous work at Sundowner. Despite this, they've committed to continuing their services without pay, prioritizing the residents' well-being.
"We're doing it for the community," Teeters affirmed, highlighting their dedication.
And this is the part most people miss: the residents' journey to ownership is just beginning. With the support of various organizations, they're navigating a complex process. Will they succeed in taking full control? Only time will tell. Stay tuned as this inspiring story unfolds, and feel free to share your thoughts on this community's fight for their rights.
