Utilities advisory board recommends rate increase, cites problems in review process

In a 3-2 vote on Wednesday the Water & Light Advisory Board decided to draft a letter to City Council that will endorse the budget as presented, which includes rate increases.

The board discussed a lack of formal process for reviewing budget changes, claiming they have not been able to answer fellow citizens who questioned why the rate could go up. “The procedure needs to change,” Jay Hasheider said, who voted against the endorsement along with Kim Fallis.

Scott Fines explained that a lack of detail makes the rate increase appear as a nothing but a “money grab,” and that access to information prior to making a decision can go a long way.

Plans to live stream future meeting were discussed as a way to reach more of the public, and to interact with people even if “they are angry about their bill.”