Privitizing the city water department is one idea put forth by two committee members. Is Fullerton for sale to highest bidder? Is privitizing city services a good or bad idea for residents?

Click above to see the meeting video.  Sound starts a bit late in the video. Find the direct link to videotaped public city meetings by visiting www.cityoffullerton.com and clicking on the “Meetings & Agendas” tab. Some great public comments happen around the 2:43:38 point in the video.

The Fiscal Sustainability Committee includes five members – one appointed by each councilmember. Three members attended in person, Eric Wehn, Lisa Wozab, and Derek Smith.  Members Jennifer Duong and Tony Bushala participated through Zoom.

Among committee comments was a suggestion by Mr. Wehn (agreed to by member Bushala) to look into privatizing Fullerton’s Water Department.  (Such an action has not worked well for other cities and could lead to poorer quality and higher water prices for residents. See discussion about this at: https://www.c-win.org/privatization).

Also see Voice of OC article on privatization
Brea’s Private Water Woes at: https://voiceofoc.org/2019/08/santana-breas-private-water-woes/

Also see a study done by Food & Water Watch at https://www.foodandwaterwatch.org/2015/08/02/water-privatization-facts-and-figures/#:~:text=Updated%203/29/2023,budget%20problems%20and%20aging%20systems.

After a several hour presentation by each department and questions from committee members –  and a five minute break – Public Comments began at 2:43:38 mark on the video above. The next meeting of the committee, where they are expected to hear the first results of the forensic audit from independent auditor Grant Thornton, will take place at 6pm on May 14 in City Hall Council Chambers.

See the presentation powerpoint below showing what cuts may be considered: