Water/Sewer rate increase

With permission posting the following letter I received .....

Carson City Board of Supervisors
201 N Carson Street Suite 2
Carson City, Nv 89701

July 4,2013

Re: Proposed Water/Sewer Rates:

According to recent articles in the Nevada Appeal,the Board is proposing to annually  raise  the water rate 6.5% and sewer rate 15% over the next 5 years. This will equate to more than a 100% increase since it will be expediential! As a resident of Carson City since 1976, and as a property owner I have serious concerns and reservations about said rate increases.

For over 5 years the Board has voted  annually to increase said rates using the same reasons as now to do so. Where has the revenue from the rate increases gone? Has an audit been done to document  whether or not the revenue has been used to repair, maintain, upgrade said infrastructure? 

It's my understanding Mr. Shirk was the only supervisor who voted against said proposal, and suggested another formula be formulated. I believe there's to be a public forum on July 16 for staff and consultants to discuss said proposal. I'm not one to appear before a crowd to express my concerns; however, am more comfortable in providing my comments to the Board in writing. 

The following are my suggestions regarding  the rate increases: to wit, formula,  and other revenue  sources for consideration by the Board:     

1.  Based  the   amount of the monthly rate increase on what the property and business  owners currently  pays and apply said amount to each subsequent years..

2.  Reduce the amount of the rate percentages and spread the rate increases over 7 years.

3.  Offset the amount needed by a hiring freeze except for emergency personnel (fire and police) for the next 5 years. 

4.  Have the City Manager assign  the deputy city manager the responsibility of overseeing a task force to draft a reorganization plan to reduce personnel and operating costs and present to the Board for consideration. (1) 

5.  Finding cost savings  by using fewer contractors and/or consultants; such as, using a different fraud and waste contractor which is currently under consideration by the Board..

6.  Require an annual audit  and/or the appropriate department heads provide a written report and oral presentation to the Board of Supervisors to show  the monies collected is being spent on  the designated purpose. That is, toward infra structure enhancement and maintenance

The savings outlined from the above  suggestions could offset the need for the proposed rates; instead afford a lower rates to the consumer. Even though the rates will vary per type of user; that is, residential, multi-residential and commercial  the cost will be passed onto the consumer. Example: A commercial owner with either increase their inventory prices or hourly service rate. A landlord will increase rents.  The rate increases will adversely impact one's disposable money which  will adversely the economy,  and possibly deter new businesses from coming to Carson City and/or resulting in other business leaving Carson City; thus,less job creation and higher unemployment.

Regards,
Joanne M Grundman
1087 Camballeria Dr
Carson City, Nv
775-883-7082