1984 REG MTG MIN SEP 18 - Laserfiche WebLink

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492 Fees Mr. Hutton read a report with regard to a proposed increase in the Sanitation rates and Water rates, which have not been increased since 1976 and 1979, respectively. Mr. Mutton continued this has created a problem with these Divisions to be financially independent with their respective services, and re- quiring assistance with funds from other sources; additionally, the Jarvis Bill on the November Ballot, if approved, would only allow in- creases per the California Price Index, C.P.I., for such services. Mr. Hutton referred to an estimated projection, provided by the Financell� Department, indicating the necessary increases in order to make these Divisions self-sufficient under their current operating conditions. Mr. Hutton also referred to recommendations for these rate increases from the Utilities Commission. Mr. Hutton concluded Staff recommends Council consider the rate in- creases for Sanitation and Water rates per the C.P.I., and authorize Staff to prepare the necessary documents for these increases, to be presented at the Council Meeting of October 16, 1984. Mayor Huntoon asked if the Council takes the recommended action and the Jarvis Bill, Prop. 36, passes, what would happen. City Attorney Edwards said if the increase were in excess of 4% of the present rates, it would be invalid. Mr. Edwards said it would seem that a more appropriate time to consider this matter would be after the November Election. Council consensus was to wait until after the November Election to take action on the rate increases as outlined by Staff. Councilman Rehrer asked if the rate increases for Sanitation services also included twice a week pickup of trash, as he would like to see this projected into the costs. Mr. Hutton responded no, the increase would be to keep up with current operations. Mr. Hutton advised the C.P.I. is approximately 4%, which would represent an increase of approximately 14 cents on existing bills Mr. Greg Fife, 1245 West "C" Street, spoke to the Council on behalf of the Utilities Commission, stating the City is already operating in the "red" and are far below any competitor with regard to Sanitation services. Mr. Fife said the City is in a state of deficit spending and something must be done as soon as possible. Councilwoman Cisneros stated the City gave the citizens the choice of going to once a week pickup or increasing the rates, and it was decid- ed that the City would go to the once a week pickup with no increase in rates. Mrs. Cisneros said now the City is going to tell the citizens the rates will be increased again, and that will create problems. Mr. Fife stated that previous action did not really cover the costs, the running costs have remained the same. City Manager Elliott also advised that the County has increased their fees at the Colton dump which has made a big difference, and eventual- ly that dump site will be full and the City will have to go to Redlands._ or San Timiteo Canyon, which will be an added expense. Councilman Rios stated he was also in favor of going back to twice a week pickup. Mr. Rios said if the City has been operating in the "red" for sometime now, then possibly we can wait a few more months, after the November Election, to consider increasing these rates. Mr. Rios added he did not agree that this was a good way to operate, however, he felt it would be better to wait. Speaking in favor of going to twice a week pickup, even though an in- crease in rates would be necessary, were the following: WMM