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<br /> . Arden Hills Council 3 Apri 1 26, 1993 <br /> PUBLIC COMMENTS <br /> Lucia Miklas, 1696 Chatham Avenue, voiced her concern about <br /> the recent utility bill increases, which raised her bill by <br /> 25%. She stated that she had received the notice of the <br /> impending increase, but did not believe it would affect her. <br /> Miklas asked what constitutes the increase, and if the City <br /> is looking at the financial management of the fund. <br /> Councilmember Malone responded saying that, as liaison to <br /> the Finance Committee, he is aware that the fund is being <br /> watched closely. <br /> Malone explained that the City pays the MWCC for sewer <br /> service on a per gallon basis, and that amount has raised <br /> from $385,000 in 1990, to $449,000 in 1991, to $518,000 in <br /> 1992, and is expected to be $546,000 in 1993. He added that <br /> such an increase is substantial and must be passed on to the <br /> customer. <br /> . Malone reported that the City's sewer fund has been "in the <br /> red" for two years because the City has been charging 1 ess <br /> than what is needed to balance the fund. He said the fund's <br /> cash balance has been providing subsidy, but now that cash <br /> balance has dropped to a point where it can no longer <br /> provide that subsidy. <br /> Miklas asked why the MWCC has such significant increases. <br /> Malone said he can't speak to that matter directly, but <br /> knows that there are substantial pollution control measures <br /> the MWCC must undertake. City Accountant Post added that <br /> the MWCC has also expanded their plant and operations and <br /> opened new interceptors, and those capital costs are being <br /> spread amongst the user base. <br /> Miklas asked why the City does not charge a per gallon rate. <br /> Malone said that matt,;,r has been discussed, but such action <br /> would require a means of measuring/metering sewer use and it <br /> would be difficult to administer. He said contribution to <br /> sewer outflow oftentimes is in direct correlation with water <br /> use, but that is not so in instances where a large volume of <br /> water is used for lawn sprinkling or pools, etc. He stated <br /> that large commercial users are charged on the basis of <br /> volume and content of sewage. <br /> . Miklas said her main objection is that, as a single person <br /> in her household. she is charged the same as a large family <br /> would be charged. She added that she has experienced <br /> mismanagement and waste in government, and is concerned that <br />