A Fountain Hills resident asked the Town Council for help with Salt River Project.

The council took no action last week on the request from resident Paul Getty, who expressed concerns about the governing structure of SRP.

Getty had asked the council to use any influence to see if changes could be made to broaden the voting rights of SRP customers in the utility’s board elections.

Getty said Fountain Hills residents are among a large number of SRP customers who are disenfranchised and have no voting rights and no rights to run for a seat on the board.

Town Manager Grady Miller told the council he does not believe this is a matter the Town Council should involve itself in. He noted that SRP is a quasi-governmental entity with the same standing as any political subdivision such as the town.

“We would not attempt to get involved in the operations of another town or city,” Miller said. “The town does have representation on the SRP Community Advisory Board to address any concerns or grievances.”

Getty further stated that SRP amounts to a state sanctioned monopoly.

“They can raise rates and set special charges at will,” Getty said. “We have no representation on the board.”

He noted the utility is also not subject to regulation by the Arizona Corporation Commission.

“The town needs to advocate for its citizens,” Getty said.

He said he is trying to get the support of a number of communities involved to have the legislature address the concern.

SRP is a dual entity with it water association established in 1903 with the completion of the Roosevelt Dam on the Salt River. An agricultural improvement and power district was formed in 1937.

There was no motion by the council to address the issue any further.