STPUD board to vote on budget, rate hikes
By Kathryn Reed
The public was all but missing from Thursday night’s public hearing regarding the 2015-16 South Lake Tahoe Public Utility District meeting.
Two people attended the meeting, with one person getting a tutorial in how the district works based on the one-on-staff dialogue he had.
The board is expected to approve the budget at the May 21, 2pm meeting. Water rates are slated to go up 6.5 percent and sewer rates 6 percent. Combined this would add $14.45 to residential quarterly bills starting July 1.
Last year the board went through the Proposition 218 process that gives the public a chance to protest proposed rate increases. Not enough people protested the five-year rate increase plan that was eventually adopted. This set the maximum percentages the board may raise rates.
It was clear from the few comments that were made May 7 that the board is not in agreement about what is going on.
Board member Jim Jones would like to reopen the Proposition 218 process because he believes the rates should be raised even more in order to keep the infrastructure working.
Board member Randy Vogelgesang worries that any increase will adversely impact ratepayers, especially those on fixed incomes.
Board members Kelly Sheehan and Chris Cefalu were silent. Board member Duane Wallace was out sick.
Paul Hughes, chief financial officer, said if the rates are changed from what is on the table, then it will be up to staff to figure out what gets cut.
No one comments on STPUD’s regular increases because the system is rigged so it doesn’t matter what rate payers say. It’s like kicking a dead horse.
Perhaps no one showed up because the Meyers meeting was the same day.
Isee: I agree
The meetings were not on the same day.
LTN staff
I sit corrected
Would it matter if anyone showed up? There is little evidence that any politician cares one bit about the citizens that they “represent”. Does the new budget show any reductions in spending? STUPD’s answer: raise rates, of course.
The current El Dorado County BOS lack of action on their budget deficit is appalling. Have any of them proposed a reduction in spending? Sue Novasel’s answer: raise taxes (or fees), of course.
None of them ever expect more from their employees or staff, they only expect more from the citizens. Not a particularly inviting or inclusive attitude.
I have learned first hand along with a friend attending these required by law STPUD Public Meetings. It will make NO difference who shows up, it could be the entire basin community. It’s all per-determend, it’s a go no matter what and a big waste of your time! They are corrupt over there and apathy/non-attendance no longer plays a roll attending these required meetings. It’s all for show and WILL NOT STOP the rate increase as long as STPUD is in existence, it never has!
Face it
Local2, You are right. These developments and rate increases in utilities are already a done deal. Re-zoning, permits and financing in hand, plans all drawn up and then “they” are going full speed ahead to raise your rates on your utility bills or start up the next building project filled with condos, retail stores and or redevelopment.
The last thing they ask for is “public input”, which is really pointless because they have already paid off the right people and agencies and the wheels are in motion for rate increases or a Meyers Area Plan.
Most folks I talk to want none of this. OLS