Havasu Heights Domestic Water Improvement District
Fact Sheet
Purpose – Havasu Heights Domestic Water Improvement District (“District”) is a political subdivision of the State of Arizona formed by Mohave County Board of Supervisors on October 18, 1993 for the primary purpose of providing potable water to land within the District boundaries as shown on the attached map. The District’s powers are derived from Arizona Revised Statutes (“A.R.S.”) Title 48, Chapter 6, as amended (“Improvement District Act”). The Improvement District Act permits the District to engage in activities that are in furtherance of, and incidental to, the District’s primary purpose. A.R.S. § 48-909 identifies some of these powers specifically, including the construction and repair of water systems as well as the right to acquire property. Consistent with this authority, in 1995 the District financed the construction of the potable water system aand continues to operate and maintain the water system today.
Governance – The District is governed by a five member Board of Directors (“Board”). The Board sets policy and, through management, operates the District in accordance with the Improvement District Act. All Board members serve four year terms and must be qualified electors of the District. Accordingly, a person who is qualified to vote in Arizona elections and owns land within the District may both vote in District elections and hold a Board position. See A.R.S. § 48-1012(F).
Elections – The Board election dates coincide with the countywide election dates of each even numbered year. The number of Board positions scheduled for election is staggered so that every other year an election to fill either two or three positions will occur. For example, in the year 2010, three board positions will be open for election, and in 2012, two board positions will be up for election. If the Board positions are not contested, however, then the Mohave County Board of Supervisors may appoint the uncontested Board candidates.
Finances – The District is a nonprofit public body, so the revenues generated by the District are intended to either repay the water system construction loan or pay the cost of operating and maintaining the water system. The two primary District revenue sources are annual assessments and monthly water use fees. The assessments are collected to repay the water system construction loan. In contrast, the water use fees are intended to pay the cost to operate and maintain the water system. Every year the Board adopts a budget wherein it sets the rates and fees for water service. The District’s current Schedule of Fees, Rates, Charges, and Deposits Excluding Taxes and Assessments is attached. If the Board determines that these revenues are not sufficient to generate enough income to meet the District’s reasonably anticipated expenses, then it may set a supplemental tax on District lands as authorized by the Improvement District Act.
Open Meetings and Public Records – As a public body, the District is subject to the Open Meeting Laws (A.R.S. Title 38, Chapter 3, Article 3.1) and Public Records Laws (A.R.S. Title 39, Chapter 1, Article 2). Accordingly, the District posts a public meeting agenda for each Board meeting at least 24 hours prior to the meeting at District building located at Lot 45 Havasu Heights. The Board typically meets once a month. The public has a right to attend these meetings to listen to the Board’s deliberations. However, the Board can discuss a few topics in executive session closed to the public, such as when the Board receives legal advice, discusses employment matters, or considers positions regarding real property transaction negotiations. The public also has a right to review the District’s public records and may receive copies of such records for a fee as provided by statute.
More Information – For more information, please contact the District office @ 928-764-4545.