Recently Salidans have been asking why has the city entertained negotiating with Nestlé Waters for a lease of our municipal augmentation credits? The answer is quite simple. When any entity, private or public sector, is approached with a request that would lead to a possibly positive financial result, the offer must at least be researched. Every member of Council is aware of the philosophical arguments against the sale of bottled water. However, given the financial stresses on the City it is important that when an opportunity arises it is at least considered.
At this time, we are still in the information gathering phase. There have been presentations before the Council by Nestlé and a discussion that created an outline from which negotiations can commence. The water law attorney retained by Salida has looked at the possibility of municipal augmentation credits being leased for Nestlé’s purpose and stated it was possible. Salida requested that Nestlé pay for that initial attorney finding. As of today, no negotiations have taken place. Any final decision will have to be approved by the City Council.
At this time, Nestlé owns one spring site and has an option to buy another. It is important to understand it is their water. They need the augmentation credits to move it out of basin. They have other options than Salida to gain those credits.
Once negotiations begin it will become clearer as to whether this is a deal to even consider. It very well might not be in Salida’s best interests. It does have to be looked at after the facts are available. Only then can any of us, staff, council and citizens, make an informed decision.
Check out the stories in the Mountain Mail for detailed background.
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