Your Utility Bill Is Going Up

In our last city council meeting there was a lengthy conversation regarding the Central Weber Sewer District. You see when we flush the toilet it has to go somewhere and someone has to take care of it, this is where the Central Weber Sewer District comes in. The Central Weber Sewer District is raising it rates starting in January. In fact they will be increasing their fees 100 percent and then have a scheduled increase for the next few years. To add to this, South Ogden City is considering increasing your base fee for sewer usage by 83 percent. After all of the increases we will pay 240 percent more in fees.  For 2009 you are looking at an increase of 183 percent. Unfortunately the city has little choice in this matter; the council is doing everything it can but maybe they could do something to lessen the blow.

Here is my suggestion. There are two types of fees that South Ogden charges:

1. A Base Fee
   
2. A Usage Fee
   

Everyone pays the base fee and this is the fee that is going up 83 percent, which will be about $4.50 per person. For someone on a fixed income this could hurt when you add the 100 percent increase from the sewer district. So instead of increasing the base fee, why not increase the usage fee with a variable rate. For example if your usage goes up, so goes up your rate. If the usage goes down, the then your rate goes down. Then your fees only go up if you use it. This might help the average senior citizen who doesn't use much water or the sewage system.

I personally know a few people that a $5.00 to $10.00 increase in fees would be tough, they are already donating plasma each month just to make ends meet. These are tough times we are moving into, I hope South Ogden residents are saving their money and preparing for such tough times. I think a tax increase for a rec. center gym facility only adds to this.

A meeting is set up for January 20th to get more public opinion and to address the issues with the Central Weber Sewer District.  Come and let your voice be heard or sound off here on the blog and let us know what you are thinking.

City Council Meeting 1-20-2009 Rates to stay high!

At our city council meeting last Tuesday we were enlightened with a visit from the Weber Sewer District about the proposed rate hike. The representative chosen to come before the gauntlet of questions and concerns did his best to put us at ease. The District's reasoning for a new plant seems to make sense but there could be a flaw that will insure your rates go up and stay up forever.

As the financial director of the Central Weber Sewer District spoke with regards to the methodology of the need of a new plant; he explained that the current plant, which has lasted 50 years, is no longer capable in meeting the EPA requirements for the water it treats and puts back into the Weber River. Over the years they have expanded and improved the plant with current technology to keep it up to standards; however they have reached the end. Though it is still useable and new plant will need to be built to accommodate more water and meet the EPA standards. This will cost a hefty sum totaling $140 Million. To pay for this bond, the cost will fall on the individual cities that use the Weber Sewer District, which is everyone. They [the city] in turn will collect the money from the individual citizen or water user. Though it seems the District has done its homework contracting multiple engineering firms to review and re-review the material in a two year study, it is interesting to note that this new plant has a life expectance of only 25 years. On that same note, the bond will take 25 years to be paid off. If you have already done the math in your head, you will see what I am seeing. As soon as we pay for it, it will be time for a new one. if we are going to raise our rates for a new plant, seems like we should build one that will last 50 years like our current one, instead of 25 years.

There were plenty more goodies from Tuesday's city council meeting; especially since it was over two hours long (a six month record). A heated discussion, which I participated in, came forward about capital drained Alliance Credit Union putting a mobile branch (aka trailer) in South Ogden to build a customer base. In addition the skate park came up a number of times. The mayor promised to bring it up in their next planning session and start working on a new skate park. We will see how that goes.

South Ogden City Manager speaks out on Sewer Rate Increase

South Ogden City Manager, Scott Darrington, has added a great post to his blog with regards to the rate increase we will all see on our next utility bill. (See Here) Blogger Darrington has done a great job outlining each element of the rate hike and why. There are still some decisions to be made on how this increase will affect the average user. To fully understand the rate increase it is helpful to know how your bill is paid.  Darrington does a great job of explaing this:

"When a resident pays their utility bill a portion of that is for sewer (amongst water, storm drain, and garbage). The sewer portion of your bill is calculated in two ways. The first is a base fee in which no matter how much usage you have that portion of the fee remains the same. The second is based on your water usage. Almost all water usage indoors ends up in the sewer. Therefore the more water you use the more effluent you put into the sewer system. Therefore the more sewage put into the system causes your sewer bill to he higher."

Based on the above rational, you possible could place a variable rate on the usage fee, the more you use, the higher the rate.  Then you would only be charging those who use water, instead of those who don't use.  I am positive Mr. Darrington and his team is considering all options and will come with a great plan.  To find out more attend the public meeting on January 20th at 6 pm.

Central Weber Sewer District Rate Increase - By Scott Darrington

HB274 Making Progress - Other Impact Fee Bills

As we discussed in a previous post (See Here) Rep. Wallis has proposed a bill geared towards the assesment of impact fees. This bill has made it through the fiscal analysis office unscathed. It does appear there are some concerned voices out there but things are going well.   A great blog post on Lincoln's Legislitave Blog, written by Lincoln Shurt-The Director of Legislative Affairs, has analyzed not only Rep. Wallis's bill [HB274] but also a few more regarding impact fees.  It is worth a read to fully understand the bills.

Lincoln's Legislative Blog - Impact Fees Take Center Stage

Each of the bills mentioned are worth a read, but I am watching SB135 and HB274 closely. Remember Weber County is getting hit hard on impact fees from the Weber Sewer District and future laws could affect those fees.

SB135 - Wants to limit the impact of fees to certain areas or groups instead of spreading it amongs the entire group.  This could very interesting, especially those who will get charged.  Though impact fees can hit hard, it could hit even harder if it is not divided equally and properly.  This will be an interesting one to watch.  You can read the entire bill here: (SB 135)

South Ogden feeling like North Ogden

The Standard Examiner had a nice article today (See Here) about how North Ogden is miffed when it comes to the Central Weber Sewer District's rate hike. In fact they are seeing a 120 percent rate hike just from the district. Whereas we will only be getting 100 percent. Either way I am sure we can sympathize.

They will be looking at a $5.50 plus rate increase. We can expect similar numbers along with the 83 percent rate increase from the city government.

We should start seeing these increases next month. I hope this news doesn't spoil your Christmas.

Candidate Profile - Wayne M. Smith

Name: Wayne M. Smith
Contact Info: Unknown

Info: Born and raised in South Ogden City
Education: Graduated Bonneville High School 1985
Occupation: Weber County Sheriff's Office - Enforcement Supervisor (18 Years of Service)

Areas of Experience:

• Corrections
• Patrol Division
• Investigations
• Gang Unit
• S.W.A.T.
• Narcotics
• Traffic Enforcement
• Judicial and Civil Service

Other Accomplishments:

• President of the Utah Narcotics Officers Association.
• 2002 Utah Winter Olympics Operations Chief at Snowbasin.
• 2002 Utah Winter Olympic Games Security Planner.
• 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympic Games Law Enforcement Supervisor.
• Volunteer for South Ogden City youth sports and Boy Scouts of America

The following information I received from a Wayne Smith flyer I received on my door:

1. Public Safety: As a law enforcement officer, Wayne understands the challenges that face our community. He will put the safety of our families and community first.
2. Promoting Quality Way of Life: Investing in recreational opportunities for our youth, adult and seniors is an important issue to Wayne.
3. Infrastructure: Wayne will work hard to address any issues that may arise regarding the infrastructure of South Ogden City to include; Water, Sewer, Roads, Police and Fire.
4. Promoting Quality Housing: Wayne favors strict enforcement of housing standards to protect our citizens and their property values.