1981 08 10 SSu
3171
STUDY SESSION
WATER/SEWER RATES
August 10,1981
Joseph K.Gavinski,City Manager,stated that the Council had requested staff to
look into the possibility of a surcharge on the water/sewer bills for the remainder
of the 1981 year in order to bring the funds into balance.He stated that the
Finance Director has done an analysis and has found that about $168,000 needs to be
raised in 1981.To raise this $168,000,an approximate 62.5%surcharge would have
to be added to the rates.This would simply raise the revenue necessary to meet
the city's bond covenants.
It was pointed out that the money to be raised could be done either by a rate
increase or by a surcharge.
There was some discussion by the Council on the possibility of reversing the deci
sion to create the two ULID's and making them strictly LID's.This would ease the
pressure on the bond accounts but this would make the interest rate higher.
Mr. Gavinski stated that an action such as this would have to be discussed with
Seattle Northwest and the city's bond counsel to see if it is permissible.
To raise the necessary funds,there are two alternatives - a surcharge or a rate
increase.There was considerable discussion by the Council.
It was the consensus of Council to use the schedule for the water rates prepared by
the Finance Director on August 6.
There was some discussion by Council on the sewer rates.It was the consensus of
Council not to impose the $2.75 additional charge for the new sewer treatment plant
at this time.
Mr.Gavinski stated that the city will be looking at purchasing the land for the
new treatment plant but there is no money at this time to buy that land.
Robert -Townsend,Public Works Director,stated that the land is owned by the Bureau
of Reclamation and they have stated they will reserve it for the city but they
cannot guarantee a price.
There was some discussion by the Council on the possibility of going to a bond
issue of one mill to raise the money for this purchase.Mr.Gavinski stated that
information on a bond issue would have to be in the auditor's office by September
15,1981 in order to get it on the ballot.
The bond would have to be set up to raise $184,000 per year for 20 years.
Mr.Gavinski was requested to look into this possibility.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.