We are firm believers in the benefits of the North County Water District. We are not, however, big boosters of the arm of the agency.

Going back to 2022, there have been documented issues regarding how the money coming in — and being transferred — has been handled. Through it all, this agency known as Chadwick Bay Intermunicipal Water Works remains out of the spotlight.

That needs to change.

Each month, the North County Water District board meets to discuss issues. In recent months, the billing agency has been a major topic of discussion and concern.

This is nowhere near as big as the issues that were noted in the audit from state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli who highlighted a $5 million negative cash balance. But there’s enough worry over this billing agency, some Water District members are considering whether it’s worth their investment.

Dan Pacos, who chairs the district, says financial documents are available to the public. However, he did not share those reports at this month’s meeting due to issues with the billing agency. “I’m chasing staff to get billing up to date,” he said. He said the updating is almost complete.

That’s not acceptable, especially when a recent state report finds too many troubles from the past.

Water is a huge issue in the north county right now. Billing, since records are not complete, also has become a problem.

If the numbers aren’t finalized for the month, board members — and the public — still have a right to incomplete documents that offer some semblance of fiscal accountability. After the comptroller’s scathing audit, this is far from a good look — for the district and Chautauqua County that is supposed to be overseeing this agency.