A water district in Ventura County is moving ahead with its efforts to try to take over a commercial water company.
The Casitas Municipal Water District filed eminent domain proceedings in Ventura County Superior Court today against the Golden State Water Company. Many of the Ojai area’s Golden State customers are upset over what they feel is overcharging by the company, and mounted the campaign through the Casitas District to buy the water system, and make it a public utility.
Golden State officials deny the company is being unreasonable, noting that they don’t get taxpayer dollars to help subsidize the system’s operation. The company rejected the idea of a buyout, and is vowing to fight the eminent domain efforts.