By Chris Munzing
City Manager Charles Theofan said that the increases are necessary to bring the city's finances in order. "When you do a budget, you look at everything," he said. "We have to look at costs and revenues."
Should the measures be included in the budget, this would be the second year in a row that water and sewer fees were increased.
The proposed quarterly rates for water usage would be a minimum of $3.29 per thousand gallons, up from $2.86, with a minimum quarterly charge of $39.47, up from $34.32. A water-conservation surcharge would be applied for usage above 150,000 gallons. The charge for usage of 150,001 to 300,000 gallons would be $3.35 per thousand gallons; for 300,001 to 600,000 gallons it would rise to $3.51 per thousand gallons; and usage of more than 600,000 gallons would run $3.85 per thousand gallons.
"Water is an unfortunate story," Theofan said. "The reality is that the water fund is a fund that, by law, must be self-sustaining, and it hasn't been. In the past, it was being subsidized by the city's general fund. There was a significant increase last year, but for all those years they didn't raise fees, they should have. I hope that people will understand that it is what it is."
Garbage collection fees would also increase for property with one or more residential units, should the measure pass, from $290 to $325 annually. Theofan said that the garbage fee increases are long overdue, but added that the quality of the sanitation department and garbage collection have improved dramatically under the current administration.
Other fee increases that will be up for a vote May 3 will include pet euthanasia fees at the city's animal shelter, home security alarm permits, business license fees and an increase in the one-day beach pass fee from $6 to $7.
City Council President Jim Hennessy defended the proposed fee increases, saying that the council is doing everything it can with the city manager's proposed budget to ease the burden on residents.
"My concern is that the increased user fees will affect people with children, senior citizens on fixed incomes and working families in a disproportionate way," Democratic Councilman Lenny Remo said. "There are other ways to generate tax relief that I've suggested, but have gone unheeded."
Slow down in the presidents
The City Council voted Tuesday night to reduce the speed limit on the streets named for presidents from 30 mph to 15 mph. Theofan said that the city had received numerous complaints and petitions from residents complaining that their streets had turned into miniature drag strips.
The city previously took similar action in the canals, Theofan said.
Beautification commission
to be formed
Also on the agenda for May 3 will be the creation of a Beautification and Environmental Enhancement Commission. "It's for them to look after the overall quality of life in terms of aesthetics for the entire city," Theofan said. "It helps, so that things aren't left to my tastes."
Theofan said that the nine-member commission had yet to be named, and he would not comment on possible candidates.
The board will investigate and recommend plans for improving the safety and health of the city, promote education to discourage littering in public places, encourage business owners to beautify their properties, and enlist the support of citizens to make the city a more beautiful place.
West End parking lot hearing
A public hearing will be held May 3 to give residents an opportunity to offer their views on the city's proposal to acquire the property at 1055 W. Beech St. through eminent domain and convert it into a municipal parking lot.
The city plans to demolish the building that now occupies the lot, between Florida and Connecticut streets, formerly the site of a produce stand. The public hearing will also examine any environmental impact construction might have, as well as its impact on the residents of the area.
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