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counteracted by the fact that it's different and unique. For example, we have a micro
<br />lab that we test 153 samples every month. Sewer Department needs a lab too. Can
<br />you imagine testing sewer samples and water samples at the same lab? The possibility
<br />for cross -contamination would be great. You would still need to maintain two labs. It
<br />can't be done in one lab. It's just not a good thing. We are certified by the Board of
<br />Health based on certain conditions, and it's just not a good idea to combine testing of
<br />sewer and water in the same lab.
<br />Again, the Sewer Department is subsidized by the County. If the expectation is for us
<br />to subsidize what the County does now, then we just can't. We won't have monies for
<br />projects. We won't have monies for a lot of things. It's just not a good idea. I won't go
<br />over any more of the pros and cons because I don't want to read it. You can read it for
<br />yourself, but I certainly will answer any questions that you may have.
<br />RAY: I'd like to get Public Works up. Jiro, I don't know if you or Peter,
<br />but 1'd like you folks to respond, to be part of this discussion, and then we can ask both
<br />of you questions. The first thing, I'm sure, we're all most interested in is are we on the
<br />same page, or not, or where are we in this process. Either you or Peter, or both.
<br />SUMADA: First, let me apologize to the Commission for being a little late and
<br />missing some of Mr. Pavao's testimony.
<br />I think Peter Boucher has prepared, kind of, our pros and cons, and I reviewed it a little
<br />bit, and it appears to be fairly objective, but in broad terms, and I think we can present
<br />that later. Overall, I guess, the main thrust of what we're trying to do, as far as this
<br />initiative boils down to me, in my mind, and Mr. Boucher has additional information,
<br />basically four main objectives, and for us, I guess we view it as a major advantage of
<br />combining the two different agencies of Wastewater and Water Supply.
<br />First of all, as Mr. Pavao has indicated, we are having difficulty collecting delinquent
<br />fees. Our total accounts receivable is about $1.4 million. That's even the ones that are
<br />monthly coming up, our total accounts receivable.
<br />RAY: Jiro, I don't want to interrupt you, but you did miss some of Mr.
<br />Pavao's initial testimony, but he did lead in with the billing segment, and what you guys
<br />are working on, so I'm sure we're really interested in what your thoughts are on that, as
<br />far as addressing that particular issue. The billing, in other words, what they presently
<br />have in the works and how they might be able to help.
<br />SUMADA: I think the coordinated, or having a joint billing system, is more
<br />efficient, if that's what Mr. Pavao eluded to, but I also feel, that by combining the two
<br />agencies, with the ability to actually have a, for a lack of a better term, hammer that
<br />could encourage people to pay their wastewater bill. You know, right now it's like we're
<br />throwing marshmallows, maybe, at people to get them to pay, which is, basically, we're
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