Laserfiche WebLink
$6.52 to $7.32 (or 14%). <br /> 2) An increase in sewer rates from the current minimum of <br /> <br /> $2.00 to $2.75; an increase from $7.71 to $8.61 (above <br /> minimum). These proposed changes would increase the <br /> average customer's bill from $7.40 to $8.:28'. <br /> <br /> 3) For those customers who do not use gas, the monthly total <br /> water and sewer bill will increase from $13.92 to $15.70 <br /> (a 12.8% increase). <br /> <br /> 4) An increase in gas rates for firm customers from a minimum <br /> <br /> of $3.35 to $4.00; an across the board increase of 3% on <br /> all firm, interruptible and summer air conditioning customers. <br /> These proposed changes would increase the average summer bill <br /> (4,000 cubic feet) from $25.14 to $26.30 and the average <br /> winter bill (3,500 cubic feet) from $184.83 to $189.44. <br /> <br /> Mayor Buck opened the public hearing. <br /> <br /> Kate Borland of the Citizen's Party spoke in opposition to the <br /> <br /> proposed across the board 3~ increase and to an increase in utility <br /> taxes. Ms. Borland also stated that an inequality in rate structure <br /> exists, causing large users to pay less for gas than small users. Ms. <br /> Borland asked Council to consider forming a consumer utility board to <br /> determine the rate structure. <br /> <br /> Donal Day of the Citizen's Party addressed Council indicating his <br /> advocacy for energy conservation, his opposition to the 3% rate increase <br /> and the City's present rate structure. <br /> <br /> Mrs. Eakes asked for Council's assistance in investigating the <br /> <br /> reason for irregular bills. Mrs. Eakes stated that she is supposedly <br /> on a budget system of billing, paying $70.00 per month, but has received <br /> bills for over that amount. <br /> <br /> Robert Sheets, Director of Finance, responded to Mrs. Eakes, stating <br /> that he would have the situation investigated and offered his assistance <br /> in resolving the problem. <br /> <br /> Marie McGinnis, President of the Lewis Mountain Neighborhood Association, <br />stated that if the proposed utility rate increases amount to a straight <br />percentage increase without any changes in the formula for computing the <br />total cost of the three kinds of utility services, the Association has <br />no objections, provided the percentage increases are necessitated by <br />the increase in cost to the City and such increases are a direct result <br />of changes in commodity markets or labor costs. Mrs. McGinnis raised <br />questions concerning the formula used to compute the charges, rate increase <br />policies, and a proposed utility relief fund. <br /> <br />Byron Roadside addressed Council, opposing the proposed rate increases <br />and stated that the City has been remiss in not protesting gas deregulation. <br /> <br /> Mr. Hendrix responded to Mr. Roadside's comments, stating that the <br /> <br />City has gone up against Columbia Gas Company in court to fight deregulation. <br />Mr. Hendrix stated that the City has been a lone city in these rights, <br />having only a few allies. <br /> <br /> Thomas Spicer of Spicer Brothers Dry Cleaners stated that he had <br /> <br />had to cut down on business hours to conserve gas. He said that he has <br />increased his charges to the customers, but cannot continue to do so. <br /> <br /> <br />