Portales to explore privatizing water system

The Portales City Council on Tuesday voted to give a private company – EPCOR – access to information about Portales’ water, wastewater and reuse system. 

The vote was 6-2, with Oscar Robinson and Jake Lopez in opposition. Neither offered a reason for voting no.

“… (T)his is a non-binding resolution,” Councilor Eldon Merrick said. “It by no means commits either party to an agreement. This is just an exploratory thing to let them come in and look over our situation.”

Portales has restricted water use for about a year amidst concerns the city could face shortages. EPCOR has long provided water for the city of Clovis and some Portales officials have expressed interest in a similar agreement.

Several residents spoke publicly at Tuesday’s meeting, with mixed views on privatizing city water.

One notable speaker was former Sen. Stuart Ingle, R-Portales, who spoke against the city joining in an agreement with EPCOR. 

“In my years within the Legislature, I’ve seen so many small towns sell out to somebody. They come in, they run a few years and then they’re gone. I’m not saying EPCOR is that kind of company, I don’t care who you’re dealing with. But I do think we have to be careful,” Ingle said. 

Ingle said he believes it is up to the city to provide water, sewage and garbage for its residents. 

“I’m not against private industry at all, but I do think there are certain entities that are better left to the city of Portales,” Ingle said.    

Portales resident Mike Davidson, who serves on local water committees and often leads social media discussions about the city’s water future, spoke in favor of partnering with EPCOR. 

“I would ask the City Council to unanimously approve tonight’s resolution giving EPCOR full access to the inspections and data needed to see if they can assist our community in strategic directions,” Davidson said. 

Davidson said the resolution was favored by the city’s Water Advisory Group and the Public Works Committee.    

“I’m a fan of win-win situations, but here we have the opportunity for win-win-win. New business for EPCOR. Potentially better prospect for our city water employees. A long-term solution for our citizens, also potential relief on our city and City Council,” Davidson said.     

The agreement allows EPCOR access to city data and facilities in order to perform a detailed condition assessment of the systems. 

Interim Portales City Manager T.J. Cathey has said “there is an extensive process” involved before any final decision could be made to privatize Portales’ water system. Cathey has said that process could take up to two years.