This is in response to the notification we received in the mail concerning the proposed rate increases or “Adjustments” as stated on a flyer mailed to all Clearlake Oaks water customers.
As I have read and think I understand the reasoning for this, I question the order in which this seems to be the reasons. Under “Water Utility Service” in part it states… “The proposed rate adjustment will provide funding to cover increased operational costs such as LABOR, state and federal water treatment regulations and to continue to provide for the set-aside of funds for renewal land replacement of infrastructure as it ages.”
Then, under Wastewater (sewer) Utility Service, it goes on to say this rate adjustment will provide funding to cover the costs of, again, LABOR etc etc.
We plan to attend the meeting at the Grange Hall on August 16 at 7:00 p.m., and we hope we can get answers such as how many employees the service is paying, which includes benefits and whatever compared to other water districts in this county. How many other water districts in this county have updated all their equipment?
My, all these new trucks we see in town now. Are all the district”s men out there in the field certified? Has the district looked into cutbacks in the work force as everyone else has had to do?
From what we have observed this water district has increased the employees working there and salaries are way up there. In these times medical benefits are like gold, and I for one, have to pay a portion of our benefits, approximately $400.00 a month as do our kids that live out of county. Its funny how other companies have found ways to decrease their overhead and maintain a business. Look at the situation the schools are in.
How have we “cutback”? We took out our flowers and replaced them with artificial ones. Put in rock and solar lights. We have a few greenery”s but rarely water anything. Because we are on Social Security now and believe me its not much a month we have decreased our usage of PG&E, which keeps us a little warmer in the summer, decreased our heating for the winter, cutback our television to minimum channels, basic on phone.
And for what? To pay almost $100.00 for water and sewer a month so all of you can benefit and want to pass on to the water users to pay for the labor. We will also be ready to submit number of employees in other water districts in this county and salaries. Take a good look at the district”s overhead and be ready to answer some of these questions at that board meeting.
Before any increases take effect, an outside auditor must be brought in, not by the district”s choice but approved by the people of Clearlake Oaks Water District before any rate increases take effect. After all, you work for us.
Bob and Judy Heeszel
Clearlake Oaks
