In This Issue:

Ballots submitted for the proposed Fire Assessment were counted on April 3, 2026. A total of 555 ballots were returned from a total of 1,088 ballots mailed to property owners. By law, ballots are weighted by the assessment value on the property. As a result of the weighting, $141,585.97 of proposed assessment voted against the assessment compared to $103,716.26 of proposed assessment voted in favor.

The assessment failed 57.7% opposed to 42.3% in favor.

While not an official result, measuring the vote based on the  returned ballots, gives a sense of community support: 398 were marked in favor, 155 opposed and 2 were invalid for a total of 72% of ballots marked yes.

The Board created a Temporary Advisory Committee of President Mitarotonda and Vice President Epstein to consider the Fire Department next steps and funding alternatives which will be discussed futher at the June Board meeting. Members of the community are encouraged to offer their opinions and suggestions by attending the Board meeting or sending a comment to info@kmpud.com or contacting the Board Members directly.

 

Electric customers received a special notice outlining proposed changes to the electric rates, explaining how the rates would affect individual customers and encouraging participation at the Public Hearing on May 1 at 2PM.

Changes in the new proposed rates include:

1. A reduction in the usage rate per kilowatt hour from the current $0.24 to proposed $0.21

2. An increase in the fixed monthly rate per unit (Equivalent Dwelling Unit - EDU) from the current $121.62 to proposed $126.43

3. A change in the allocation of EDU across residential customers from the current allocation based on the average 3-year monthly usage to a fixed EDU of 1.16 EDU per customer.

Details on the new rate proposal and the existing electric rates can be found here on the KMPUD website. 

Electric customers can attend the 2PM, May 1 public hearing in person at the District office or participate remotely at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85852437061.

Are you signed up to receive emergency alerts?

Log in to your KMPUD user account and select or adjust your contact preferences under KMPUD Urgent Alerts to receive District communications on emergencies, utility outages, and usage alarms. 

Amador and Alpine counties provide Reverse 911 emergency notifications. Alpine County information can be found here and Amador here.  

At times, we may be tempted to flush something down the toilet or rinse it down the drain, even when we know it does not belong. While it may seem harmless or convenient in the moment, these small lapses in judgment can lead to significant problems - both for your plumbing system and your wallet. Certain items should never be flushed down the toilet in order to keep your system running smoothly and efficiently.

To help ensure your pipes remain clog-free and to avoid costly repairs, we have compiled a list of items that should never be flushed. Some of these items can cause blockages, while others can damage the plumbing or harm the environment. We encourage you to read more here to learn about the following items that should always be kept out of the toilet.

DO NOT FLUSH:

Medication

Cigarette Butts

Gum

Cooking Grease

Fish

Food

Bleach, Paint, Hazardous Chemicals

Antifreeze

Baby and Personal Wipes

Q-Tips, Cotton Pads, Cotton Products

Menstrual Products and Diapers

Dental Floss and Hair

Paper Towels and Tissues

Rope, Towels, and Rags

Cat Litter

Next month, join AWWA and Celebrate Drinking Water Week.  For more than 40 years, the American Water Works Association and its members have used Drinking Water Week as a unique opportunity for both water professionals and the communities they serve to recognize the vital role water plays in our daily lives. Drinking Water Week 2025 will be from May 3-9, 2026. 

AWWA provides resources to participate in webinars, workshops, conferences, and more.

 

If you have irrigation services at your Kirkwood home-

Please wait to schedule window washing or other applicable outdoor projects until KMPUD has notified the community that irrigation meters have been activated for the season, which typically occurs in June. Please note that KMPUD does not offer on-demand activation of irrigation meters. The timing of activation is determined by KMPUD based on weather conditions and staff availability.

1. Responding to recent vote rejecting the proposal to fund the Fire Department.

2. Considering options for new electric rates, which we typically review every 5 years. See Electric Rate Study Article above.

3. Starting recruitment process for new GM to replace Rick Ansel when he retires in September.

We invite the community to watch the most recent meeting at kmpud.com and explore the Board packet. Keep an eye out for communications from KMPUD about forthcoming steps to address the urgent issues related to KVFD.

Kirkwood is your District and your input and participation are valuable. Click here to view the Community Calendar of upcoming Board and Committee meetings. We encourage your participation at our meetings. Click here to learn about the agenda and click here to access past Board of Directors meetings. 

Kirkwood Meadows Public Utility District

209-258-4444 / info@kmpud.com / www.kmpud.com