IID seeks public input on strategic plan

IMPERIAL — The Imperial Irrigation District Board of Directors wants the community’s help in deciding how the district will move forward in 2021.

The IID is in the process establishing a 2021 strategic plan with the participation of the community and customers it serves.

The 2021 plan is an initiative of Division 2 Director JB Hamby to provide a roadmap for the organization to establish clear and ambitious goals and expectations for improved service to the people of the Imperial and Coachella valleys.

He said without the plan no changes can be made at the district. The last plan the IID formulated was five years ago. Hamby wants a new plan every year.

What ends up in the plan, he said, will be left up to the public, though he conceded not every suggestion the public asks for will end up in the final document, which is expected to be completed by the end of June.

He said the IID board will use the plan when formulating and holding all public meetings.

“What we are going to do is to reach out to the everyday person (to get their requests),” he said. “It gives us a better understanding of what we need to pay attention to.”

Hamby said the board is not coming into the plan with any preconceived ideas on how to improve IID’s service.

“We are coming here with an open mind,” he said.

Hamby himself said he would like to work on entitlements for the Colorado River, making sure the energy rates are kept low, and addressing air quality issues at the Salton Sea.

It’s important to ask them what they want,” he said. “The plan is to step back and look at what we can do to do a better job on quality of life and meet the needs of the community.”

He said the plan will ensure accountability and action as opposed to gathering dust on a shelf.

The IID is asking for the public to provide input by Feb. 1, but they will take comments and suggestions after that date.

On Feb. 2, 9, 16, 23, and March 2, the IID board will discuss one to three topics as agenda items while inviting active public participation with verbal and written input.

Next January, the 2021 plan will be evaluated for effectiveness and reviewed before being revised for 2022.

Hamby said he thinks the 2022 plan will be easier to create because of the work that will be done in formulating the 2021 plan.

To provide written comments or suggestions, the public should log on at iid.com/annualplan.