Husing’s report and Liberty rates (May 1, 2017)
I read the anti Measure F flier and also Dr. Husing’s report. I wonder if anyone else noticed that he said nothing about Liberty’s yearly rates. If he did, I didn’t see it. I am old and have missed things before, but I am pretty sure I am right.
In light of that omission I decided to show what Liberty rates would be for the next 10, 20 and 30 years. I based my calculations on Liberty’s last rate increase three years ago. They asked for 31.55 percent over three years. That is a rough average of 10 percent per year. They were also based on my bi-monthly tier one bill of $180 for 17 CCF. That is for service charge and water only.
For the first year they amounted to $1,080. The second was $1,188 and increases 10 percent every year thereafter.
At the end of 10 years my yearly bill would be $2,546. That is $1,466 higher than year one and my bi-monthly bill would be $425. At year 20, my yearly bill would be $6,604 and my bi-monthly bill is now $1,101. In year 30, my yearly bill is $17,128 and my bi-monthly bill is $2,855. My monthly amount is $1,427.50.
This is without any taxes or the dreaded surcharges.
If they were to only raise the rate on just water, what now cost me $396 a year would cost me $6,300 at the end of 30 years.
If the eminent domain passes the city can start to charge for water connections to new homes. According to at least two of the gadflies who claim to be members of the Citizens for Government Accountability, the charges are as high as $10,000 per connection in other local cities. At only 20 houses a year that is $200,000.
Add in a rough estimate of $300,000 for top executives no longer needed and that is $500,000 a year we don’t have now. Multiply that by 30 years and you have $15 million. Don’t go by what Liberty tells you. Go by what they don’t tell you. Vote Yes on Measure F.
John Pedigo, Apple Valley
Source: Daily Press