To the Massanutten Community:
By now, I’m sure you’ve heard the news regarding the proposed Rockingham County offer to buy MPSC, the private water and sewer utility that covers our area. MPOA’s Board, following a meeting with representatives of the County, voted unanimously on January 25 to support a buyout offer. The County’s Board of Supervisors, in response, formally approved an offer to purchase the utility at its appraised price as determined by an independent valuation group.
First, I’d like to commend the MPOA Board and the County Board of Supervisors for their actions on behalf of ratepayers in our community. We’re fully supportive of both.
So, what do we expect going forward? Frankly, we expect a bit of a slog. MPSC has made clear on multiple occasions that it is not for sale. This means that the County’s buyout offer is almost certain to be rejected. Once that happens, the County can begin condemnation proceedings. Assuming that happens, the courts will get involved, and ultimately determine the fair market value of the assets of the utility.
Each step of this process will take time. For example, MPSC has a certain time window to accept or reject the offer. We expect them to wait until the last moment to reject. Similarly, we expect similar games will be played with regard to timing of court filings, appeals, and so forth. We’ve little doubt that MPSC will try to run out the clock on every step of the process, which will likely take a long time.
We also saw something of a “PR offensive” on MPSC’s part, aimed in part at dividing the community and creating additional delay and confusion. It did not work, but those efforts could continue. This will take time, and it will require patience from all of us. Please know that we’re with you in this important fight.
Assuming this does end up in Rockingham Circuit Court, the Court will almost certainly consider customer complaints regarding poor service, questionable water quality, inaccurate billing and other issues. By all means, keep sending this information to the County Administrator and the Board of Supervisors.
The next phase of solar:
After some delays, we’ve finally received nearly-complete engineering drawings for the solar array behind the WaterPark. Permitting is in final stages and if all goes well, we expect to start installing the array in early to mid-April. More details to come!
Splash’s is finally a reality!
We’re just about ready to launch Splash’s, our new restaurant at the WaterPark, which will prominently feature seafood on its menu. Our current plan is for a soft open the week of February 9 and regular hours the week following. We’d like to invite area residents to a special Open House at the new facility on February 23 at 3:30 PM. Complimentary appetizers and beverages will be served.
Volunteers wanted!
Want to have some fun – and help the community? Every year, we host a County Kids Fishing Day at Painter’s Pond. This year, it will be held April 15 from 9-11:30am or 1-3:30pm. If you would like to volunteer for this truly wonderful and impactful day, please reach out to us directly: community@massresort.com
Cordially,
Matthias Smith, VP and General Manager, Massanutten Resort
Matthias:
Thank you so much for the update. In terms of time can you estimate how long this process will take given MSPC’s likely tactics?
Wish we could give you an answer on that. We really can’t at this point. It’s the County and MPSC that are engaged in this process. Ratepayers – both residential and commercial – can do little but make sure that we all stay in touch with the County.