Texas firm wants hudson utilities

By BGRUMETN
Published January 24, 2008

HUDSON   

A new Texas utility hoping to scoop up water and wastewater companies nationally has its sights on Hudson Utilities.

Houston-based Ni America and Hudson Utilities have filed a joint application for the Florida Public Service Commission to approve the purchase. The commission must make sure Ni America has the financial resources and technical know-how to operate the Hudson wastewater company, which serves about 2,500 homes. Commission spokesman Todd Brown said Ni America has not asked for any rate increases.

The application shows the base purchase price for the utility's assets is $5.6-million. Hudson Utilities president Bob Bammann, 69, recently told the Pasco Times that he is ready to retire after "being in ditches forever." He said he didn't think customers would notice much difference once ownership changes.

The six-month-old Ni America, which is funded by a private equity firm called MetalMark, is run by former top officials at such large utilities as AquaSource. Company spokesman Rick Melcher said Ni is hoping to have a large presence in Florida.

MOON LAKE

New school principal from Collier County

Susan Barcellino will become the new principal of Moon Lake Elementary. She will replace Donna Busby, who has been selected to open Veterans Elementary School in Wesley Chapel.

Barcellino has been an educator since 1991, starting her career as a teacher in Pennsylvania, where she has been a principal and an adjunct professor of education at Duquesne University. She has been principal of Lake Park Elementary in Collier County since 2003, and she has taught courses for Nova Southeastern University.

She is scheduled to take over at Moon Lake Elementary at the end of March. Before that, Barcellino is expected to visit the school to meet the staff and to begin the transition.

NEW PORT RICHEY

'The play's the thing' at 'Hamlet' auditions

Another audition for the Shakespeare by the River production of Hamlet (abridged version) will be at 7 p.m. today at Richey Suncoast Theatre, 6237 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey.

Roles are open for men ages 16 through 30. Two performances will be given during the Shakespeare by the River festival on April 19 in Sims Park. Director is Angela Sarabia. Call (727) 842-6777.

[Last modified January 24, 2008, 00:25:38]