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Hernando joins Pasco to stop utility

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By MICHAEL D. BATES

Hernando Today

Published: November 13, 2009

BROOKSVILLE - Hernando County commissioners have joined their Pasco County counterparts in opposing a utility company's efforts to move into the area.

Hernando commissioners on Tuesday unanimously sided with their legal staff in continuing that opposition.

The county's legal office had recommended that the board "vigorously oppose" a move by Skyland Utilities LLC to seek permission from the state's Public Service Commission to operate a private water and wastewater utility system in portions of southeastern Hernando and northeastern Pasco.

The properties encompass some 791 acres and are designated rural on Hernando's comprehensive plan, which raises questions regarding future development patterns and consistency with that plan should water and wastewater utilities be built there, according to a staff report.

Pasco commissioners have already voiced strong opposition to the company's request, citing inconsistencies with Pasco's comprehensive plan and its stated goal of having a centralized county-operated water system.

They requested that Hernando County join them in opposing Skyland's PSC request.

During his presentation Tuesday, Assistant Hernando County Attorney Jeff Kirk plopped down in front of him the voluminous written request from Skyland.

Kirk reminded the board of its previously stated intentions to retain full regulatory control of all private water and wastewater utilities operating in the county and to promote centralized water and wastewater to residents throughout unincorporated portions of the Hernando County water and sewer district.

Among other concerns, Kirk said Skyland's plans would lead to urban sprawl by encouraging premature expansion of new development in areas served by the utility.

Reporter Michael D. Bates can be reached at (352) 544-5290 or mbates@hernandotoday.com.

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