After five long years of neglect and a devastating water crisis, the residents of Sundowner West Meadows Mobile Home Park finally have reason to celebrate. Ownership of their water services has officially changed hands, marking a turning point for this beleaguered community.
"It’s been a long time coming!" exclaimed Misty Livingston-Holmes, a Sundowner resident, capturing the collective relief and hope of her neighbors. For years, the park’s water system had been mismanaged under the control of Scott Kolling, the previous owner, whose neglect sparked a crisis that left residents struggling for access to clean, reliable water.
But here’s where it gets controversial: According to Saline County Commissioner Joe Hay and Don Teeters of Redi Clean Water Well Rehab, Kolling’s mismanagement was so severe that it necessitated legal intervention. The Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) filed a lawsuit against Kolling, ultimately securing a Certificate of Convenience and Necessity—a legal tool that allowed them to strip Kolling of ownership and transfer control to a more responsible entity.
That entity is Pleasant Hill Water Company, a newly formed organization created by the very water well companies that had been servicing Sundowner: Well Rehab, WaterWise, and Walton Plumbing & Heating. Named after a street in the mobile home park, Pleasant Hill is now overseen by a board of directors that includes Teeters, Livingston-Holmes, Jenelle Summerow (WaterWise Enterprises), Scott Walton (Walton Plumbing & Heating), and Curt Bigge (Midwest Assistance Program).
And this is the part most people miss: While Pleasant Hill is currently in control, the ultimate goal is to hand ownership directly to the residents of Sundowner. Teeters estimates this process could take 12 to 18 months, but it’s a step toward true community empowerment.
"We wanted Kolling out of there," Teeters stated bluntly, reflecting the community’s frustration and determination. The court’s decision not only removed Kolling but also ordered Bigge to receive ownership, enabling Pleasant Hill to take over operations.
Attorneys for both Kolling and the water well companies have signed off on the court order, though it’s worth noting that the water well companies have yet to receive payment from Kolling for their past services. Despite this, they’ve pledged to continue providing services without pay, prioritizing the residents’ needs above their own financial losses.
"We’re doing it for the people, because it’s the right thing to do," Teeters emphasized, highlighting the moral imperative driving their actions.
Looking ahead, the Saline County Commission plans to designate Sundowner as an improvement district, a move that would allow residents to access enhanced services. However, this requires a petition from the Pleasant Hill board and signatures from Sundowner residents, followed by approval from the KCC. Once established, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) will conduct water testing and oversee any issues that arise.
Before any of this can happen, representatives from the water well companies, Saline County Commission, KDHE, KCC, and Rep. Dawn Wolf (R-Kan. 107th District) will meet with residents to explain the process and address concerns.
Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is the community’s struggle a unique case, or does it reflect broader systemic issues in how private utilities are regulated and managed? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your perspective.
Stay tuned to the Salina Post for updates on this developing story, as we continue to follow Sundowner’s journey toward a brighter, more sustainable future.
