a. Aqua America Water approached our Board in regard to an interest in possibly purchasing RS&W prior to the final Master Plan of the Sewer & Water Infrastructure Replacement Project. Our Board of Directors investigated the feasibility and merits of privatization with a major project and funding concerns facing our community. Their research revealed that privatizing would have an ultimate negative impact on the community and, therefore, it was unanimously decided that Roamingwood Sewer & Water Assoc. and the South Wayne County Sewer Authority retain ownership and service the best interest of the Hideout Community Members. Listed below were some of the major concerns:

1. Rate increases would not be controlled or restricted to debt service repayment only.

2. Customer Service quality would be compromised.

3. Privatizing opens our treatment plant to imported wastewater.

4. Lower interest loans and grants are accessible to our company as “non-profit”.

5. Our treatment plant is an asset within our community and a new fully functioning system can serve to benefit our members.