Pioneer rejects Water Contract from Seneca

At their meeting Tuesday, the Board of Directors for the Pioneer Rural Water District rejected a new contract proposal from the City of Seneca. Pioneer General Manager Terry Pruitt said his board will ask Seneca to lower by one-half the base charge for backup connection, from a proposed $4,600 a month to $2,300. Pioneer is in the process of finishing work on a facility to make and sell its own water, but is looking to Seneca to be its backup supplier. Pruitt said, “Also, requested is that any increases be limited to 1% annually and the terms of the contract be reduced from 20 years to five years since there was no way to terminate the contract prior to the 20 years.” There are indications that a special meeting of Seneca’s leaders will take place to react to Pioneer’s position.