Campbell residents deserve an objective review of deal

Given the political undercurrent in the debate over the proposed sale of the Campbell water treatment plant, residents have a right to an independent financial analysis of the deal. Auditor of State Betty Montgomery's office is the ideal entity to undertake such an assignment. Why? Because the auditor is already deeply involved in Campbell's operation as a result of the city's being in state-mandated fiscal emergency.
While in emergency, the city's finances are being overseen by a state Financial Planning and Supervision Committee, which is governed by the state auditor's office.
For that reason, we believe Montgomery should assign a senior member of her staff to review the proposal being pushed by Mayor Jack Dill and most members of city council to turn over operation of the water treatment plant to Aqua Ohio. Under the deal that has been agreed to by both sides, Aqua Ohio would pay the city $3 million up front and $300,000 a year for 10 years. At the end of that term, the company would own the plant.
Aqua has agreed to invest $100,000 annually in the facility and its operations for improvements and repairs, beyond routine work, and assume the current $4.2 million debt the city owes for improvements at the plant. The total value of the deal: $11 million.
Yet, lawsuits have been filed on behalf of a group of residents to block the mayor and council from signing an agreement. The residents, who contend that the water treatment plant is an asset that should not be turned over to the private company, want a referendum vote on the sale in the November general election.
Money-losing proposition
But Mayor Dill and lawmakers counter that the plant is a money-losing proposition and that there isn't enough revenue being generated to operate and maintain the plant and to make the necessary infrastructure improvements.
One of the main opponents of the sale is former Councilwoman Juanita Rich, who challenged Dill in the mayor's race last year and suffered an embarrassing defeat. During the campaign, the incumbent made the sale of the water treatment plant a major plank in his platform, while the challenger contended the facility is an asset and is worth much more than what Aqua Ohio would be paying. She also argued that the city could apply for grants and other state and federal funding and that it should explore the possibility of selling water to surrounding communities.
In giving Dill such a huge vote of confidence, the voters obviously agreed with his assessment of the water situation. Yet. Rich and others persist in fighting the sale.
It's time for an objective evaluation that should focus on these questions: Is the water treatment plant an asset or a liability? Does a city that is facing a $400,000 general fund deficit this year have the financial wherewithal to operate and maintain such a facility? Would Aqua Ohio be paying a fair price for the plant?
Residents of the city of Campbell have a right to hear answers to those and other questions from an individual who has no political ax to grind or special interest in what has been proposed.