Letter to the Editor: The Decorah City Council discussed raising sewer and water rates without regard to timing, convenience or other activities

Posted: Wed, May 30, 2018 9:05 AM

(The following Letter to the Editor has been submitted by Decorah City Administrator Chad Bird in response to a Letter to the Editor by Ben Kerndt (http://www.decorahnews.com/news-stories/2018/05/19465.html)):

"It is worth noting the dates of the water / sewer utility rate discussion in the context of the Ben Kerndt letter about the rate discussion happening AFTER the referendum on the electric utility.

The city council engaged in this conversation without regard to timing, convenience or other activities and did so in response to discussions during the FY19 budget work session held at 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 31st.

All of the meetings listed below are public meetings, posted, and with public attendance always welcome.

Further, the utilities are not mismanaged. Utility rates have been historically depressed over the past 20 years. This city council is taking action to bring the utility funds to agreed-upon funding levels. Utility managers should be able to set rates at levels that balance the operations of the funds with appropriate reserves for capital projects and emergencies. Utilities, whether water, sewer, gas, electric, or telecommunications, are not operated with taxes, they are funded by user and service fees.

City Council meeting March 19, 2018 – 5:45pm
Consider Ordinance 1219, amending Chapter 13.20 - water rates
Consider Ordinance 1220, amending Chapter 13.28 - sewer rates
Not approved, sent to committee.

Utility committee meeting April 2, 2018 – 6:30pm, following regular city council meeting
Carlson, Bellrichard, Bergan, Schissel

Utility rates and enterprise funds were discussed

City Council meeting April 16, 2018 – 5:45pm
Consider Ordinance 1219, amending Chapter 13.20 - water rates (1st reading)
Consider Ordinance 1220, amending Chapter 13.28 - sewer rates (1st reading)
Approved

May 1 – City Referendum

City Council meeting May 7, 2018 – 5:45pm
Consider Ordinance 1219, amending Chapter 13.20 - water rates (2nd reading)
Consider Ordinance 1220, amending Chapter 13.28 - sewer rates (2nd reading)
Approved

City Council meeting May 21, 2018 – 5:45pm
Consider Ordinance 1219, amending Chapter 13.20 - water rates (3rd and final reading)
Consider Ordinance 1220, amending Chapter 13.28 - sewer rates (3rd and final reading)
Approved and adopted"