South Willard Water, a local private culinary water company, has new leadership. New company president, Jayson Harames, replaced the former president, Richard Day, earlier this year. Several shareholders noted that Mr. Day has an official capacity on the Bear River Water Conservancy District and suggested or knew of the suggestion that Mr. Day might have had a conflict of interest with the two responsibilities. A long time shareholder remembered that in recent years, the president had begun receiving a salary. The South Willard Water Board (the Board) emphasizes that there has been no investigation into the allegations. Mr. Harames indicated that being president is something that he is doing for this small town water company and the shareholders, but otherwise does not consider it a great honor. The South Willard Water Company relies heavily on volunteer action and has done so since its inception on December 18, 1945. The Board is proud of the company’s record for providing clean water, and for the efforts for community self-reliance.
The Board and shareholders remember Mr. Day’s service for at least eight years, and for volunteering many hours in what is called a thankless job. Mr. Day is also recognized for his participation in the installation of fire hydrants in South Willard.
In April, proposed changes to the by-laws were put before the shareholders. Enough questions were put forth by the shareholders that a vote on the changes was postponed for 90 days. On June 6, all of the shareholders (customers) of the South Willard Water Company were invited to a meeting to communicate, gain information, and consider proposed by-law changes for South Willard Water Company. No changes were made at the meeting since no changes were intended at that time according to Mr. Harames. Harames says the intent was to have the attorney look at changes. Mr. Benny Karlinsey, a former South Willard Water Board Member had a somewhat different opinion of what went on previously, stating that the number of users are growing, but that the Board members earlier this year were themselves rather uninformed as they proposed changes.
In a Board meeting on June 19, the Sentinel News was told that proposed changes are a proactive attempt to coincide with current law as well as to prepare so that the company does not cease to exist in 2020 as would happen according to the current by-laws. So, for any changes to the by-laws, the shareholders must vote. That vote will probably happen at the July board meeting.
Editor’s Note: The Sentinel News has offered to correct any inaccuracies or misinformation as the South Willard Water Board alleges were contained in past articles relating to South Willard Water. The Sentinel News also gives its opinion that a private water company is much preferable to one that is governmentally run.
