Dripping Water Supply director Jim Walden weighs in, praises general manager

"I feel it is time for Mr. Cones to get credit for all he has done."

To the Editor,

As a board member, one of my responsibilities is to protect and conserve the assets of Dripping Springs Water Supply Corporation. Assets come in many forms like trucks, equipment, and water lines, but in reality the most important asset of the corporation is the people who work there. Without these dedicated people, the other assets produce nothing for our members.

One of these employees, Doug Cones, the general manager, has been an important asset of the corporation for 24 years. Since he first took charge, the system has been improved to where it has had a continuous “superior” rating by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for years. The corporation has also received praise from LCRA for the innovative conservation program it has implemented.

From the standpoint of members, the company has delivered water reliably and consistently for all the years Mr. Cones has been in charge. Financially, Mr. Cones has enhanced the corporation’s operations. Unlike many water supply corporations, ours does not struggle to pay bills. Mr. Cones has improved the balance sheet of the corporation while keeping up with the explosive growth experienced in the area. Few other Water Supply Corporations have seen the growth in water demand that our corporation has, and yet he has kept ahead of the growth without having to borrow additional money. His performance financially has been excellent.

The financial statements of the corporation are audited every year. Every year, the corporation has achieved a good audit report. Never have any fraud or malfeasance been discovered. The Auditor for approximately 10 years refused to perform the 2009 audit not because of irregularities in the books, but because he cited the board’s dismantling of the internal controls of the organization and because of their micro management in the operations of the company.

The 2009 auditor, Maxwell, Lock & Ritter, gave the same clean report that Mr. Wyatt had done in prior years. The current CPA, Mr. Michael Grimes of Hamilton, Pyle, and Bowman has said that the issues brought forth by Mr. Harris were the transition from a cash to accrual accounting system.

Doug Cones
Mr. Cones has a contract which specifies the performance he is required to meet. At a recent board meeting, Director Travis Garnett, having had his fill of the accusations and disgusting rhetoric about Mr. Cones, asked the rest of the board “Has he fulfilled all of the requirements of his contract?” The answer was YES from everyone.

All the personnel of the DSWSC are assets to the corporation, but Mr. Cones is especially valuable. He has provided excellent and plentiful water for the area. He has met his contract obligations. He has increased the financial performance of the company. He has maintained continuous good relations with the city, LCRA, all of the surrounding water organizations, and the local utilities companies. The company has benefited greatly from these excellent contacts.

I feel it is time for Mr. Cones to get credit for all he has done.

Jim Walden, Director DSWSC