Water & Sewer Rates

I am in receipt of numerous emails, each are concerned about the increase rates for water and sewer.

Our family has removed portions of landscaping in an attempt to conserve water, thereby reducing our monthly billing.

Presently, I have brought forward the idea of possibly using funding from Question 18 (the 1/8 of 1 percent of sales tax), or possibly taking out a Bond to help fund these projects. As either of these could possibly help to lower the monthly increases to individual households. Both of these concepts failed to be embraced, whether it was due to the legal or financial aspects of our City ordinances, I am not sure.

I am unaware of the previous staff management ability to oversee these facilities, and really at this point, it matters not. Unfortunately, the community is being penalized for decisions that were made in the past.

A study has been completed comparing our rates to other communities in the region, showing our rates are lower. However, when comparing we should be judging against all of the organization aspects of that other community, not just compare rates. Because, how each community manages their facilities may differ dramatically from how we manage ours, and that will have an effect on their rates verse ours.

Presently nothing has been scheduled for the Board of Supervisors meeting regarding this issue, but I assure you there will be an agenda item in the very near future.

I appreciate your interest and your willingness to lend support. Your opinion does matter and members of the Board should ALL be notified of how these rate increases will affect you, your family, friends and neighbors.

Let family and friends know to voice their opinion as well.

I will keep you posted on this issue as it develops.


Sincerely,

Jim Shirk

Carson City Board of Supervisor
720.5761