09/21/2025
As many of you know, KXLY recently aired a story about our water system crisis. Spokane County Commissioner Al French provided a statement to KXLY, but unfortunately, it included several inaccuracies. This raises concerns that he may not fully understand the severity of our neighborhood’s situation.
Here is a summary of the key inaccuracies in Commissioner French’s statement:
1. Governance: Commissioner French described our water district as a Homeowners Association (HOA). This is incorrect. We are a water district. Water districts and HOAs are entirely different in governance, authority, and funding eligibility. It is important that he understands the distinction.
2. District Size: He claimed our district has “approximately 36 homes.” The reality is we have 27 active metered residential connections, plus a few vacant parcels. Misstating this number leads to misleading cost-per-household calculations.
3. Cost Per Home: He indicated that consolidation cost would be around $3,600 per year per household, and seems to feel that we should be responsible for this expense. The Department of Commerce has confirmed that under the lowest-rate loan scenario, the cost would actually be $130,000–$142,000 per homeowner (about $6,500–$7,100 per year for 20 years). Other scenarios estimate costs even higher, up to $160,000–$180,000 per home after interest and fees.
Why this matters:
These inaccuracies risk downplaying the seriousness of our crisis and could hinder our ability to secure the external support we desperately need. As the DOH-funded feasibility study made clear, full consolidation with the City of Spokane is the only viable long-term solution. But the $2.55 million price tag is cost prohibitive for a neighborhood of our size.
What you can do:
We need Commissioner French to understand the reality of this crisis and actively advocate for us at the county and state level. The more he hears from residents, the harder it will be for our issue to be overlooked.
Here’s how you can reach him:
Mailing Address: 1116 W Broadway Ave, Spokane, WA 99260
Phone: (509) 477-2741
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.spokanecounty.gov/2553/District-5---Al-French
(You can also find him here on Facebook)
Even a brief email/letter from you, a homeowner who is directly affected, will help. Share how this crisis impacts your family, finances, and property value — and ask Commissioner French to support solutions for Vel View Water District #13. And please BE PERSISTENT. He is not likely to reply to your first call or email – but please continue to reach out to his office until you are able to make contact.
Thank you all for staying engaged. We are stronger when we speak as a group, and your participation is essential to moving this forward.
Commissioner Al French was a Sergeant in United States Marine Corps and served from 1969-1972. During his tour of duty, he served as an instructor at the Officer Candidate School in Quantico, Virginia.
