Although the lawsuit revolves around development and new service – what if FW offers service to an existing large user (revenue source) like Tysons Mall? There needs to be a distinct boundary so both sides can plan effectively.

There have always been political issues with water and other utilities, and probably always will be, I am not sure a Town Hall meeting would help.

I say keep the water department, warts and all.

There are other arguments for a sale as well. Could it be sold for a profit, or at least a return of the significant capital investment by Falls Church that is tied up in the water company. Sale to a third party could also take the decision making out of the political process (could cut both ways). Also, a third party may have better business skills remembering back to the billing fiascos of several years ago which admittedly now appear to be resolved.

Your question of what is the potential liability to FC is a good one and if poor decisions have been made, an accounting of who made those decisions would be helpful in determining the long term management and course for the water company.

I would be against privatizing the water system – water should be a public utility by definition – why leave it to a for-profit corporate board to make decisoins on something as essential as water. Next thing you know, someone will advocate privatizing police or fire services because management of them is too troublesome for the government.