City may stop supplying water to Lindrick over unpaid bills

Lindrick Service Corp. has until the end of the month to pay up, officials say. But the utility's owner says New Port Richey owes him.

By MATTHEW WAITE

© St. Petersburg Times, published June 21, 2000

NEW PORT RICHEY -- The City Council voted 4-1 late Tuesday to turn off the water it sends to Lindrick Service Corp. if the utility doesn't pay its outstanding bills by June 30.

The city and Lindrick are feuding because the utility hasn't paid its bulk water bill for April or May, the city says. The city says Lindrick owes it $85,012.

Lindrick owner Joe Borda said the city overcharged Lindrick for bulk water and owes it damages for not allowing Pasco Reserve Inc. to drill two wells inside the city limits. Although Borda says he doesn't own Pasco Reserve Inc., he says he was hurt financially because it was not allowed to drill. In a letter to the city, he says the city still owes Lindrick money.

Borda said he thinks New Port Richey won't let the two wells be drilled because it ultimately would cost the city money in lost water revenue.

"Our customers are sitting there, waiting for this water, and New Port Richey won't let it happen," Borda told the Times on Tuesday.

Council members had considered giving Lindrick five days to pay up or lose the water. That measure failed 3-2. Another measure giving it until the end of the month received only one dissenting vote: Deputy Mayor Ginny Miller.

"I've been saying that this guy (Borda) doesn't deal in reality, but the reality here is we have to keep supplying water," Miller said. Miller had said during debate that she may resign if water is shut off.

Mayor Wendy Brenner said if the water is turned off it is Borda's responsibility.

"I don't want to vote for the motion, but I don't think we have choice," Brenner said.

Earlier, Borda said the legal aspects will be left to the attorneys.

"It's a shame it has to be such a public issue," he said. "We've followed advice and we feel we're on solid ground to what we're doing."

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