I’m voting NO because the Board failed to seek independent valuation or competitive offers—violating basic business ethics and best practices. (And my NO vote could be changed if a better process and better contract is adopted by the Board in the future!)
The Board’s decision to move forward with the sale of our water system to Central States Water Resources (CSWR) lacks the most basic due diligence.
As confirmed at the October 25 town hall meeting by CSWR representatives, no independent appraisal was conducted by the Board of Directors. Only CSWR representatives made an internal evaluation.
Would you sell your house based only on the buyer’s appraisal of your home’s value?
It’s a violation of fundamental business ethics.
“We do have private investors or private equity money… they do have certain requirements that have to stay in the agreement that we don’t have a lot of flexibility on.”
— Sean Nichols, CSWR VP, Transcript at 00:32:25
“We’ll send you a draft. We have a standard purchase agreement. Probably 80% of the parties just sign it without any changes.”
— Sean Nichols, Transcript at 00:32:25
This confirms that the Board accepted CSWR’s terms without seeking competing offers or independent valuation. That’s unacceptable.
Just because 80 percent of other parties jump off a bridge does not mean that Windermere needs to do so also.
What Ethical Business Practice Requires
Don’t take my word for this horrible development in Windermere.
According to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), ethical valuation requires:
- Objectivity and impartiality: Sellers must not rely solely on the buyer’s valuation ValuAdder.
- Avoiding conflicts of interest: A buyer’s appraisal is inherently biased toward their interests oneappraisalgroup.com.
- Transparency and accountability: Sellers should disclose how valuations were obtained and ensure they are independently verified oneappraisalgroup.com.
Best Practices in Business Sales
Any competent seller—whether in real estate, utilities, or corporate assets—should:
- Obtain an independent appraisal to determine fair market value oneappraisalgroup.com ValuAdder.
- Solicit multiple offers to ensure the best deal for stakeholders.
- Disclose alternatives to members before asking for a vote.
In our case, two other water companies already operate nearby and could express interest if invited to the bidding table:
- Corix Utilities, which serves Ridge Harbor and already has an emergency interconnect with WOWSC.
- Aqua Texas, which operates in Barton Creek Lakeside.
These companies could benefit us by better economies of scale, lower rates, or more favorable terms. Both companies are looking to expand in this region and would probably like to add to their systems.
But the Board didn’t even ask them. Or if they did, they have not disclosed that to Members.
This Vote Deserves Better
We, the members, deserve a transparent process that compares multiple offers and includes an independent valuation. Until that happens, I’m voting NO.
Heres an article to write about. 11615 county road 404 wes rogers place in spicewood. Has had multiple warnings from county officials and yet has only gotten worse. With upcoming multi million if not billion dollar ranches surrounding it, civilians continue to pollute one of our deepest natural water wells in the county.
When Rural Freedom Meets Public Responsibility
Community Feature Editorial — Ricewood Gazette
Burnet County’s wide-open spaces and rural charm have long symbolized independence, self-reliance, and freedom from city congestion. But as the county continues to grow, new challenges are emerging — particularly when unregulated living arrangements begin to intersect with public health and environmental safety.
Recently, residents in western Burnet County have raised concerns about a rural property that has become home to a small, informal encampment. According to neighbors, the site contains improvised structures, large amounts of discarded materials, and limited sanitation infrastructure serving more than a dozen occupants.
What troubles many community members most is the sanitation issue. With only minimal restroom facilities available, some occupants reportedly resort to outdoor waste disposal. Environmental experts warn that unmanaged human waste can contaminate soil and pose risks to nearby water sources — especially in areas that sit above sensitive aquifers supplying drinking water to surrounding households.
Burnet County is known for its valuable groundwater reserves, and protecting these resources is critical. Even small-scale contamination can have long-term consequences for wells, wildlife, and neighboring properties.
At the same time, the situation highlights a deeper problem facing many rural communities: the growing number of people experiencing housing insecurity. Informal encampments often arise from economic pressure, limited affordable housing, and a lack of accessible social services. While compassion is necessary, so is accountability.
Local residents have expressed frustration, not out of hostility, but concern — concern for clean water, public health, property values, and the overall wellbeing of the area. Many are calling for clearer county oversight, better outreach programs, and solutions that balance humanitarian needs with environmental responsibility.
This is not simply about one property or one group of people. It is about how Burnet County chooses to address the realities of growth while preserving the natural resources that make this region special.
As a community, we must ask ourselves difficult but necessary questions: How do we protect vulnerable populations while safeguarding public health? How do we maintain rural freedom without allowing it to come at the expense of neighbors and natural resources?
The answers will require cooperation — between residents, county officials, environmental agencies, and service organizations. But one thing remains clear: clean water, safe sanitation, and responsible land use are not luxuries. They are shared responsibilities.