LAS VEGAS -- The Southern Nevada Water Authority's general manager has had her first performance review since taking the job in 1991.
With the backdrop of dropping water levels at Lake Mead, statewide legal challenges over a central Nevada pipeline, and a hike in water rates, SNWA General Manager Pat Mulroy faced something many workers are used to -- a job performance review. It's her first since starting the SNWA in 1991.
Board members approved of the job she's doing but did ask for better business outreach efforts next time the water authority considers a rate increase. Clark County Commissioner Steve Sisolak raised questions about the number of lobbyists SNWA was paying.
The I-Team reported in 2008 how the SNWA paid lawyers for extravagant hotels and dinners. The SNWA, now says, they put a stop to that and don't pay staff members for lobbying. However, the I-Team found Nevada dollars are going to a Utah couple that wasn't listed in SNWA's written response to board members.
"I didn't know we had them anywhere. I made the misnomer. When you said, 'we don't have any at the state level,' I took that to mean all state levels, not just our state level," Sisolak said.
Mulroy replied, "No."
"I'm being told there's a conflict with that one," Sisolak said.
"Why is there a conflict?" asked Mulroy.
"Other clients that the individual represents," continued Sisolak.
"No, there's no conflict," said Mulroy.
Former Utah legislators Fred and Christine Finlinson not only lobby their former political colleagues on behalf of the SNWA they also lobby for the Washington County, Utah Conservancy District. That water district and the Finlinsons actively support the Lake Powell pipeline which Mulroy says could harm Lake Mead.
"It has raised great concern among all of us in the lower basin. That will take another 150,000 acre feet out of Powell. So, imagine Lake Mead essentially 150,000 acre feet lower," Mulroy said.
SNWA says it will pay the Finlinsons $2,500 a month which adds up to $30,000 a year.
The I-Team asked Mulroy why Nevada ratepayers are paying for lobbyists making money supporting a project that could lower Lake Mead's levels?
"I see what you're saying. I don't see a conflict. You have people who represent multiple clients all over," Mulroy said.
Southern Nevadans can still count water bills as among their cheapest utilities but with more rate increases considered possible in 2016, some SNWA board members intend to scrutinize every dollar spent more than they have in the past.
Lobbyist Fred Finlinson tells the I-Team he has no conflict of interest in lobbying for both supporters and opponents of Utah's pipeline project.
