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But Hernando must work through the utility authority to gain access as part of the county's effort to buy the utility.
By JENNIFER FARRELL, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times, published May 10, 2002
Florida Water has lifted the ban barring Hernando County access to its property and records during sales negotiations for the statewide utility network.
On Wednesday, Florida Water agreed to allow county inspectors in as part of a study to determine the value of the Spring Hill utility.
The catch: Hernando County must route information requests through the Florida Governmental Utility Authority, a four-county coalition negotiating to buy Florida Water's statewide network. And visits to the property will have to be chaperoned, according to Florida Water attorney Joe Mason.
"We will allow them to tag along with the GUA," Mason said.
He likened the arrangement to needing "a hall pass and adult supervision."
Hernando County representatives seemed puzzled.
"That's what the heck we've been doing the whole time," said Len Tria, vice president of Coastal Engineering Inc., one of two consultants charged with kicking the utility's tires before the county decides how to proceed on a possible takeover.
Hernando County has until June 28 to decide whether it wants in on a proposed $520-million government buyout of Florida Water's statewide holdings.
A preliminary report from Coastal is due this month.
Last week, Florida Water rescinded permission for county representatives to inspect property and financial records, saying the move stemmed from the County Commission's opposition to the proposed FGUA deal.
"Florida Water is still convinced that the county has no real intention to do a deal with GUA," said Mason.
He added that the company reopened its doors to the county at the request of the FGUA.
Whatever the reason, Assistant County Attorney Kent Weissinger said he is glad access has been restored.
"The bottom line is, if we don't get the information, it's going to be very, very hard for staff to recommend, or our board to approve, any deal with FGUA."
-- Jennifer Farrell covers Spring Hill and can be reached at 848-1432. Send e-mail to