Editorial: Cimarron needs to be a good neighbor

In times of catastrophe, the ranches outside Cimarron have helped the village bounce back. It’s now the village’s turn to be a good neighbor and share water with its nearby ranches.

On Monday (Sept. 15) the Philmont Scout Ranch pulled out of a preliminary agreement to purchase water for five buildings on the Chase Ranch from the village. Philmont’s decision came after village council voted to add an addendum to the agreement requiring Philmont to provide water assistance to the village during water shortages.
 
In August the village decided against expanding the radius of its water service area from three to seven miles. The proposed expansion would have helped bordering ranches and other neighbors tap into the village’s water system.


We commend Hickman for asking tough questions and showing serious concern about the future of water accessibility in Cimarron. He has brought up issues that need to be addressed. The village has to balance the need for economic growth while carefully considering the impact it would have on their allotted water rights. A study must be done as soon as possible that answers whether the village can handle expanding its service area. Cimarron’s councilors were elected to tackle these delicate issues head on.

So far no elected official or village employee has presented to council how many of its alloted acre feet the village has used the past few years or water consumption projections. This would clear up questions from village leaders and residents about whether water service expansion really is a good idea.
Ultimately, we believe that the way to secure Cimarron’s water future is by adding more customers.

Adding Philmont and other prospective customers that are outside city limits  but still in the village’s current water service area,  would provide the village with much-needed income. In the past year the village has seen two major water customers— the Canyon Inn and Double C Restaurant— close their doors. Village council should not shut the door to an opportunity for more revenue, however small it may be.

More water customers would make Cimarron a more attractive candidate for federal and state loans it could use to upgrade its archaic water system.

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