AUBREY -- Flower Mound, joined with a representative from Copper Canyon, to present information to northwestern Denton County residents in Aubrey last night regarding their concerns for the Upper Trinity Regional Water District and how the district's actions might affect their water bill.
But after a heated debate between Flower Mound officials and a couple of Upper Trinity Board of Directors broke out, many audience members felt like they had been deceived into attending the meeting.

"I feel like I came here under false pretenses," Savannah resident Teresa Brown said after the meeting.

Brown said she felt Flower Mound's purpose of the meeting was to turn residents from the new developments of Savannah, Providence and Paloma Creek against the Upper Trinity. Brown, like other area residents, said she received a post card in the mail telling her water rates were going up and she should come to the meeting to find out why and what to do about it.

Residents in these subdivisions receive water from Mustang who in turn receives the water from a fresh water district that is supplied by Upper Trinity. This means, Upper Trinity's water passes through two other entities before reaching these residents.

Paloma Creek resident Doug Freeman said he felt like Flower Mound wanted his development to join in its battle against the water district, not help residents bring down water bills.

"They need to fight that, then give us the information," Freeman said.

During the meeting, Flower Mound Mayor Jody Smith, Councilman Paul Stone, and Chief Financial Officer Harlan Jefferson helped present information concerning Lake Ralph Hall, rising water rates and the recent board membership eligibility change. Robert Smith, who represents engineering firm Kellogg, Brown and Root and has been working with the town to research the necessity of Lake Ralph Hall, also attended.

Copper Canyon Councilman Ken Karnes spoke against the board membership policy as did Double Oak representatives, who could not attend but sent similar statements that were available to be read by audience members. More than 50 people attended the meeting.

Providence resident Eileen Murphy said she was glad she attended the meeting and did not feel she was invited under false pretenses.

During Flower Mound's presentation, Murphy said, "It sounds illegal or almost illegal," when she heard about Upper Trinity's recently passed amendment to the membership bylaws, effectively giving the boot to two members of Upper Trinity's board of directors. Afterwards, Murphy said she was still concerned whether the government entities were keeping an eye on Upper Trinity.

"Do they practice within the legal system," Murphy questioned.

Most of the audience members wanted to hear Upper Trinity's side of the story. When asked to comment on the meeting on Tuesday, Upper Trinity Spokesperson Jason Pierce said he could not immediately comment on the meeting since the district had only learned of it on Monday.

However, Flower Mound officials said they contacted the water district weeks ago and had invited them to participate in the meeting. Upper Trinity's Mustang Representative Byron Gaines wanted to know why he did not know or was invited to the meeting that concerns the resident he supplies water to from Mustang.

Denton County Commissioner Cynthia White, who represents the citizens of that area, said she was notified of the meeting last Friday by Upper Trinity officials. White said she was also concerned that Upper Trinity officials were not there to represent their point of view about Lake Ralph Hall, rising water rates, and board membership.

"There are always two sides to a point and on some complex issues there may be three or four sides to it," White said.

White said she would be in favor of a future forum where all sides can present their point of view to the residents. She continued by saying she believes both sides have valid points but would like to see more information.

"You're bringing your issues out here and they may not be applicable to these residents," White said. "...I would like to see everyone at the table.

Flower Mound Mayor Jody Smith remained positive after the meeting.

"I truly think that the folks from Upper Trinity [were not presenting] because we've hit a nerve," Smith said. "...We've got them worried and people are now asking questions."

Huffines representative Elvio Bruni, from the company that developed Providence and Savannah, said he was glad he attended the meeting and viewed it as a good chance to hear from homeowners.

Flower Mound officials said they are willing to travel to Aubrey again if a forum can be established where all sides, including Upper Trinity, have a chance to formally present information to residents.

"I challenge the Upper Trinity Regional Water District to hold meetings like this and for people to hear their side of the story," Savannah resident Melissa Ryan said.