During the Pine Cove Water District’s board meeting last week, General Manager Jerry Holldber offered some options to modify the water rate increase proposal made at the March 14 meeting. Letters have notified property owners with meters within the district of a public hearing on the rate increases at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 9.

In order to find nearly $12 million of saving, Hawkins presented several steps, including imposing a fee for emergency medical services, closing Station 63 in Poppet Flats, and employing more two-person medic squads in place of three-person engines in rural and outlying areas (such as Garner Valley). The immediate response from the supervisors was neither enthusiastic nor complacent toward accepting Hawkins’ proposals. County Executive Jay Orr introduced the presentation and explained its intent. “We see clouds on the horizon and increased communication with the board is needed to have their direction.”