REP FC 005 2019/01/08 2018-2020 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

1 FC-5 Page 3 January 8,2019 On December 3, 2018, the newly elected council members for the 2018-2020 term, took office. Communication 23, dated December 11, 2018 from Director Kucharski and Communication 23.1, dated December 4, 2018 from Mr. Richard M, Bennett, Environmental Commission Chair, both submitted favorable recommendations for passage of Bill 210. Bill 210 was placed on the agenda again for consideration on January 8, 2019. At that meeting, Mr. Kucharski expressed his opinion that the increase is a reasonable request and urged the council to push the bill forward favorably. He reiterated the purpose and reasons for the request as stated at the November 19, 2018 hearing. Ms. Eoff asked how much the increases would relieve the General Fund. Mr. Kucharski answered that it would be approximately$1.4 million in the upcoming fiscal year, reducing the subsidy from approximately$2.9 to $1.5 million. Answering an inquiry from Mr. Richards, Mr. Kucharski stated that the Wastewater Divisions budget is approximately$13 million per year. Mr. Richards asked about the poor state of repair for the facilities and whether funds are currently used for maintenance and repair of facilities, or only for operations. Mr. Kucharski replied that maintenance and repair is part of operations. There is an equipment replacement fund of$500,000 and DEM is proposing to increase that fund to $3 to $3.5 million. Mr. Richards stated that if something is not done about the fiscal health of wastewater management, the county is setting itself up for bigger problems. Council Member Villages understands the situation, and that the increase does have the potential of really affecting people. However, the county must identify priorities while becoming more fiscally responsible. It appears that sewer systems have never been a priority and the county has got away with no increases due to having very small communities. Now with the increase in population it has become more prominent. It's more evident globally too, in that where waste ends up affects the health of ecosystems and people locally, statewide, nationally, and all over the world. Mr. Chung stated that he is not necessarily against raising the sewer fees and understands the need for it. He feels all households should be on the sewer system. People who are on the sewer system are paying to help protect the environment. Those not on the sewer system do not have to pay. It should be spread out evenly. Mr. Chung is not against raising fees, but would like to proceed a little more cautiously. Ms. Lee Loy commented that it boils down to equity and fairness. Protecting the shoreline is everyone's responsibility, but this fee is going to be on the backs of just a few. She would like to hold off for a little while and see what is out there with the legislature or maybe explore other options with taxes on all properties.