Please note: This is an unofficial summary provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended to represent the official board meeting minutes.
Timberon Water & Sanitation District – October 14, 2025 Meeting Recap
The October board meeting was called to order by Vice Chair Ed Hardesty, filling in for Chairman David Cruey, who was unable to attend. The meeting ran smoothly but covered quite a bit of ground — everything from water production numbers and office hours to a local school bond and even a court case involving properties with TWSD liens.
Wendy Case gave her manager’s report, starting with the water numbers. Well #1 at the plant produced just over 2.5 million gallons last month, and the golf course well added nearly 1.9 million more — a total of about 4.4 million gallons. Of that, about 1.3 million gallons were sold, leaving an estimated 70% water loss. One new meter was installed, ten more are still waiting, and crews repaired twelve line breaks. Wendy also mentioned that 28 public records requests came in and that the recent Sanitary Survey identified eleven findings. Several of those have already been fixed, and staff are working on the rest, with documentation to be submitted to the state soon. She also took a moment to thank the volunteers who’ve been helping out in the office.
JJ Duckett provided the treasurer’s report. Bank balances were strong overall, with just over $96,000 in the Facilities & Services account, about $39,000 in Operations, and another $164,000 in the USDA short-term asset replacement fund.
Budget Committee Chair Rick McMullen reported that the budget is in good shape and being closely monitored by both the general manager and treasurer.
The board approved the minutes from the September meetings before moving on to old business about Mary Glover Park. Neighborhood Watch Vice President Terri Ratley spoke about the water meter approved for the park back in March that still hasn’t been installed. The delay has held up some planned improvements there. The board discussed ownership and legal considerations under the Anti-Donation Clause. Since the park’s meter is already third on the install list, they decided to leave it there for now, which should give time to clarify those details.
Three representatives from the Cloudcroft School District, including School Board President Lance Wright, gave a presentation on the upcoming bond election. They emphasized that the bond won’t raise taxes but will fund important maintenance and improvements across district facilities.
Vice Chair Hardesty reported that 46 standby property liens totaling just under $13,000 were ready to be filed, and the board approved them unanimously.
Wendy proposed changing office hours so that the office would be closed to the public one day each week — Wednesdays — giving staff a quiet day to catch up on administrative work. The board approved it, so beginning soon, the TWSD office will be open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 to 5, and closed to the public on Wednesdays.
Arden Schug brought up an ongoing issue with the District’s mill levy, explaining that a clerical error by the Otero County Assessor several years ago caused Timberon’s rate to drop and never be corrected. The board agreed that Treasurer Duckett would work with Arden to get it straightened out.
There was also discussion about replacing Tank #3 using poly tanks instead of metal. The fire department currently owns one of the tanks in use, and they’d like it back. JJ pointed out that poly tanks are far less expensive, and if approved by the state, the District could install multiple tanks using the same grant funds. The board voted to move forward with that plan.
The water filtration plant and ongoing Notices of Violation were briefly discussed. Vice Chair Hardesty suggested putting the topic on the next meeting’s agenda so the Level 4 Operator could join by phone with a detailed update.
The board also approved purchasing a cell phone for office and field use — mainly to handle after-hours calls and two-step verifications needed for purchases.
Finally, there was an update on a legal matter — the Massey v. Hanson court case in which TWSD is listed as a party because the district holds liens on three affected properties. Ed provided the audience with some insight about the case before the board went into a brief closed session to discuss options that fell under attorney-client privilege. When they returned, they voted unanimously to take no action at this time.
During public comments, Ed Hardesty reminded everyone that disruptions during meetings are not allowed under the Open Meetings Act and that presiding officers can remove anyone who causes one. Chance Guiles, president of the Timberon Development Council, then spoke with a list of questions about an upcoming event at the Lodge — specifically regarding insurance, rental requirements, and whether the lease agreement with the District was being changed.
Ed explained that he had reached out to insurance agent Patty Stone to clarify liability coverage for events where alcohol is served or sold. The current policy doesn’t cover that, but Patty has already provided Wendy with some new coverage options. High Country manager Penny Hunter added that their group can apply for a “Picnic License,” which includes its own insurance — they just need the District’s permission to host the event at the Lodge.
There were no director’s remarks this month, and the meeting adjourned at 5:30 p.m.