Penn Cove water, sewer merger on ballot

By BRIAN KELLY

Herald Writer

Does a merger make sense? Voters in Penn Cove will decide at the ballot box Tuesday if their water and sewer districts should be combined.

Officials say merging the two districts on Whidbey Island will save money by reducing the costs for complying with federal and state regulations.

"It only makes economic sense," said Dean Thiem, water district manager. "There is a tremendous amount of duplication of effort."

"We think we can run a more efficient and effective operation by joining together and sharing resources, and hopefully, save our ratepayers some money," he said.

Although many areas in the Puget Sound region have combined sewer and water districts, Penn Cove has had two separate districts for more than 30 years, Thiem said. The districts have roughly 170 connections that serve approximately 450 people.

The combined district would also save money on insurance and billing costs, but Thiem could not say exactly how much would be saved. Any costs savings, he added, would help keep water and sewer rates low.

"I’d hate to put a number on it because someone’s going to wad that number up and stick it under my nose," he said.

The merger has opponents, however.

Gerry Yakovleff, a Penn Cove resident and member of the opposition committee, is worried that the merger will allow developers to funnel new growth in the Penn Cove area, with existing homeowners footing the bill for development.

The water district amassed $1.5 million of debt for water facility upgrades, and bills of residents doubled when construction finished in 1998, Yakovleff said. A merger would allow the combined district to go deeper into debt, she said.

"We’re up to our throats in debt," Yakovleff said.

But Thiem said developers will have to pay to hook up to the Penn Cove water and sewer system.

Resolutions have already been adopted that require latecomers to help fund infrastructure improvements and administrative costs, Thiem said.

"Nobody is going to get in for any less than you or I paid, or any of my neighbors paid," he said.

Both districts have already negotiated a merger agreement. The measure needs a simple majority to pass.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Employees and patrons of the Everett Mall signed a timeline mural that traces the history of the 51-year-old indoor mall that was once considered the premier place to go shopping in the city. Thursday, March 20, 2025 (Aaron Kennedy / The Herald)
Mall mural offers nostalgic trip into the past

Past and present Everett Mall employees joined customers Thursday to view an artistic timeline of the once popular shopping mecca.

Edmonds Mayor Mike Rosen gives his State of the City address on Thursday, March 20 in Edmonds, Washington. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Edmonds mayor talks budget at 2025 State of the City

Mayor Mike Rosen discussed the city’s deficit and highlights from his first year in office.

Daron Johnson, who runs Snohomish County Scanner, stands next to his scanner setup on Tuesday, April 1 in Everett, Washington. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Snohomish County law enforcement to encrypt police airwaves

The plan for civilian police scanners to go dark pushed a host to shut down his popular breaking news feed.

Richie Gabriel, 1, jumps off the bottom of the slide as Matthew Gabriel looks down at him from the play structure at Hummingbird Hill Park on Monday, March 31, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds residents show up for Hummingbird Hill Park, Frances Anderson Center

After a two-and-a-half hour public comment session, the council tabled its votes for the two comprehensive plan amendments.

Students Haddie Shorb, 9, left, and brother Elden Shorb, 11, right, lead the ground breaking at Jackson Elementary School on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett district breaks ground on Jackson Elementary replacement

The $54 million project will completely replace the aging elementary school. Students are set to move in by the 2026-27 school year.

Logo for news use featuring Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Another positive measles case identified in Snohomish County

The case was identified in an infant who likely contracted measles while traveling, the county health department said.

A Tesla drives along 41st Street on Wednesday, March 26, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Washington faces uncertain future of Clean Air Act regulations

The Trump administration’s attempt to roll back numerous vehicle pollution standards has left states wondering what’s next.

A person walks through the lot at Kia of Everett shopping for a car on Tuesday, April 1, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘The tariffs made me do it’: Customers move fast on cars

At one Everett dealership, customers move fast on cars ahead of Wednesday’s expected announcement on tariffs.

Public’s help needed to find missing Arlington man

The 21-year-old left the house Sunday night without his shoes, cell phone or a jacket, and was reported missing the following morning.

Will Geschke / The Herald
The Marysville Tulalip Campus on the Tulalip Reservation, where Legacy High School is located.
Marysville board votes to keep Legacy High at current location

The move rolls back a decision the school board made in January to move the alternative high school at the start of next school year.

The former Marysville City Hall building along State Avenue on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 in Marysville, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
City of Marysville, school board amend property exchange

The city will relocate its public works facility to the district’s current headquarters, which will move to the former City Hall.

Snohomish County Elections employees Alice Salcido, left and Joseph Rzeckowski, right, pull full bins of ballots from the Snohomish County Campus ballot drop box on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
County to mail ballots for Edmonds, Brier elections

Registered voters should receive their ballots by April 9 for the April 22 special election.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.