Since the report is titled “Troubled Waters”, it’s not surprising that the Nevada County Grand Jury’s report on the Nevada Irrigation District is full of concerns. In response to two complaints, the report says they learned of discord, mistrust, and acrimony among the NID Board of Directors, as well as between the Board and management and staff. But Board Director Chris Bierwagen, who is also running for re-election in November, says progress has been made since two new directors were elected to the Board in late 2020, along with the hiring of a new general manager…
click to listen to Chris Bierwagen
Bierwagen declined comment on Grand Jury allegations that the Board had a pattern of violations of the open meeting law, also known as the Brown Act until they hear advice from their attorney. Bierwagen also takes issue with allegations that the Board has historically kept ag customer water rates too low, resulting in a lack of funding for infrastructure maintenance…
click to listen to Chris Bierwagen
The Grand Jury also says that the NID Board adopted a redistricting map with a population deviation greater than some of the other new maps they were considering. That also resulted in Division Four director Laura Peters being mapped out and not able to run for a new term in November.
Dianna Suarez
What kind of operation is President Chris Bierwagen running at this water district anyway? He has a self righteous answer for each allegation including unfair rates for treated water users, collusion between Board members, and illegal gerrymandering to eliminate a vote against Centennial dam; an issue he promoted inappropriately in violation of both state law and NID policy. President Bierwagen's lack of team building skills has created rampant acrimony and disfunction on the Nevada Irrigation District. Sadly he is running unopposed for another 4 year term.