The city approved a new rate structure in July to catch up on nine years of inflation. The plan also rewarded water conservation, and we went to monthly billing.
Complaints about this needed adjustment seem oddly centered on monthly vs. quarterly billing without focusing on the required catch-up from nine years of no increases. And very little has been mentioned about conservation.
The city, with the help of numerous experts and the active participation of the community, meticulously crafted a new rate structure. This was not a hasty decision. It was a well-researched and considered change. However, due to the referendum, the water rate study was redone, incurring a cost of $8500, not to mention the additional time and more attorney fees. The city has already spent over $20,000 on attorney fees. This doesn’t include staff time.
A Yes vote keeps us on monthly billing. From Yachats to Astoria not one city is on quarterly billing. Monthly billing helps identify leaks quicker, awareness on usage and conservation, better financial planning and works with our City’s current billing and meter reading technology. Worried about paper bills? Go Paperless. The City charges NO fees for automatic payment. If you are charged a fee it is from your bank – ask why.
All of this confusion—for what? We needed a rate that covers the costs and a rate structure that encourages water conservation. This is what the city did.
Ultimately, the genuine cost is wasted time and dissension. We have a limited city staff and an unpaid city council. Their time is finite – and significant projects like the comprehensive plan are waiting.