Voters in the Cow Creek Groundwater Conservation District are being asked to approve an ad valorem tax increase from the current one-half cent to one cent per $100 valuation.

According to General Manager Micah Voulgaris, the current rate produces about half of the district’s revenue, bringing in $158,367.

He said the total revenue for 2007-08 was proposed to be $301,367.

The additional revenue breakdown is as follows: monthly production fees, 10 percent or $32,500; new well fees, 33 percent, or $100,000; and other fees, 3.5 percent, or $10,500.

Voters would be setting a cap at 1 cent per $100 of property value.

“The actual rate would have to be set after the budget for 2008-09 is proposed,” he said.

“If approved, the additional revenue will be used to fund the authorized activities of the district. To date, the district has developed a comprehensive set of rules, accomplished permitting of all major utilities in the district, created a Drought Management Plan, begun the initial stages of aquifer research, built a strong relationship with the other governmental entities in the area, and formed a monitoring network that has more than 30 wells that are checked at least twice each month.

“Other programs that are proposed include the acquisition of real-time well water level monitoring equipment, development and implementation of a water quality program, conducting research on the availability of groundwater, aquifer recharge rates, and effective conservation methods.”

The ad valorem referendum is the only item on the Cow Creek district ballot. No one filed to oppose board incumbents Milan Michalec in District 2 and William Haas in District 3.