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5 <br />Mr. Schilling asked for the amount of private funding received for the Gas <br />Assistance Program. Mr. Schilling asked why the amount of funds for the rebate for <br />programmable thermostats remains the same even though less was used last year. <br /> <br />Ms. Scott said there are no carryover funds available and it is anticipated that next <br />winter may be very cold and staff would like to assure that funds are available if needed. <br /> <br />Mr. Schilling questioned why an additional $50,000 is being requested for the <br />toilet rebate program since we are officially out of the drought. He said keeping the <br />amount at $50,000 might make sense. <br /> <br /> Responding to a question from Mr. Caravati, Ms. Scott said moving to automatic <br />meter reading has meant more accurate readings and cost savings since staff has been <br />reduced from six to three. Ms. Scott noted that no bills had to be estimated this year. <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati said that questions have been raised about the systems not being <br />properly maintained, and Ms. Scott said that several years ago staff realized that major <br />line work needed t o be done, and a level amount of debt service was built into the rates. <br /> <br /> Ms. Richards said she understands we have to account for fixed costs for water, <br />but also understands the concerns expressed that the more people conserve the higher the <br />rate. She sa id it seems like we are punishing those who conserve. She said she would <br />like to implement a rate that rewards water conservation, and said she is not going to <br />support any more rate increases until we have a comprehensive study of a conservation <br />rate str ucture. Ms. Richards noted that several other localities have an increasing rate <br />structure. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox asked what happens if Council does not approve the utility rates, and Ms. <br />Scott said if it is not approved we would still have to pay Rivanna and would s oon run <br />out of money in the utility funds and would have to pay the bills from the general fund or <br />some other fund. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox said he is interested in seeing a conservation rate structure studied as <br />well. <br /> <br /> Ms. Scott said alternatives can be worked up, but she cannot guarantee that rates <br />can be lowered. <br /> <br /> Ms. Richards said she understands that, but said the cost could be shifted to those <br />who use more water. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox noted that water usage has decreased at the University over the last five <br />years even though the student population has grown. <br /> <br /> Ms. Richards said she is impressed by the amount of water saved by the toilet <br />rebate program and supports the additional funds. <br /> <br /> Mr. Lynch asked for more information from Rivanna on their proposed capital <br />improvements, and said he has some concerns about whether the additions justify the <br />increase from Rivanna. He said the supply issues are being driven by County growth. <br />He said he would like to get a better sense of what we are likely to see in 2004 - 05. <br /> <br /> Mr. Caravati made a motion to approve the ordinance. <br /> <br /> Mr. Cox said he wants to see if Council is willing to not approve the increase and <br />is willing to deal with the fall out. <br /> <br /> Mr. Schilling said he will not second the ordinance until he has answers to his <br />questions. <br /> <br />