Support the NRD

 WaterClaim believes the local NRD is a very vital and important part of our community.  WaterClaim strongly supports the existence and the power and authority of the NRD board.  The State has given the NRD (made up of local people) the authority to control underground water.  We believe it is essential to the continued survival of the local community that this power remains in the hands of the NRD.

If we do not like what the NRD does, then we, as a community, can change the members of the board.  The NRD board is a public entity that answers to the public.  It owes the individuals of this public an explanation of what it does and why.  To treat those who ask questions with hostility is inappropriate. 

In the last year, the NRD board has been asked to make several decisions that will have a profound impact not only on the farmers but also on most businesses and most people in the community.  The votes the board takes will affect each of us.

We ask the board members to:

• Make clear their intentions.  If cuts are to be made, how much and why?  As the law does not require the Board to make cuts, why is it voluntarily preparing to do so and seeking the ability to impose dramatically higher taxes (up to a 60% property tax increase). 
• Explain the impacts of these changes to the community.  The law requires the NRD Board to conduct an economic analysis and keep this current.  To date, this has not happened.  We ask the Board to comply with the law.
• Seek critical data from the State.  Much of the information that is necessary for the Board to make an informed decision is not available nor has it been sought by the Board.
• Be open to ideas and suggestions on how to meet the needs of the State.
• Use its legal fund to protect the community, not fight the people it represents.

When we ask questions and ask the Board to explain what they are doing and why, it does not mean we do not support the NRD.  WaterClaim supports the NRD.  We simply ask that the Board be open and clear in what it does.  As long as the Board does all in its power to protect the local community, WaterClaim will do what it can to support the Board.