Bullhead City Council members on approved a declaration March 3 that will authorize staff members employed by the city to obtain EPCOR Water Arizona Inc. property located in various parts of Bullhead City.
According to the resolution, this approval allows for eminent domain. The resolution includes immediate issuance if an employee meets the offer and can purchase the property.
“Including the immediate issuance of an offer to purchase and any negotiations that may be necessary, to consummate a purchase price for just compensation,” the resolution reads.
The declaration was approved unanimously in a 6-0 vote. However, Council member Mark Clark highlighted his potential conflicts of interest and recused himself from the vote. He would be in a conflict of interest because he is employed by Johnson Utilities. Johnson Utilities is partnered with EPCOR Water Arizona Inc.
City Manager Toby Cotter said the utility has raised the water rates by about 90% during the past few years, which played a big role in the voting results.
Alerts Sign-up