Humboldt County, CA November 2, 1999 Election
Smart Voter

Next Four Years

By Penny Elsebusch

Candidate for Board Member; McKinleyville Community Services District

This information is provided by the candidate
Challenges that we face are difficult but have to be dealt with
I am well aware of the issues and challenges that the next four years will bring. For years the board has avoided reality by postponing needed maintenance and improvements and drawn down reserves. We need repairs and equipment in the next budget year and there are other repairs and equipment for each budget year after that has already been outlined for MCSD. The Capital Improvement Plan sewer budget needs additional money every year as there is insufficient funds to meet necessary expenditures. The water budget also has some deficiencies in future years to fund expenditures. Reality is here and "The chickens have come home to roost". We need to maintain our systems and buildings and keep all in good repair. It is proposed in April, 2000 rate increase discussions will begin to fund the necessary repairs.

Replacing numerous old water meters that are reading inaccurately, either over-reading or under-reading may give additional revenue. Sewer bills are now determined by water usage and we need to be sure that all ratepayers are treated fairly. If revenue turns out to be a lot higher, we may be able to avoid large rate increases.

We are facing lots of repairs, equipment replacement and improvements to facilities. Some of the numbers are big and some are small. Software programs necessary to track water and sewer system modeling is only $8,000. Recoating water storage tanks to extend their useful life is $135,000. One large piece of equipment related to the sewer is $250,000.

Since no one likes rate increases, the next MCSD Board may not be popular. The Board will be blamed for trying to maintain the things we currently have. Hopefully some ratepayers will remember the Board that caused the problem and understand the legacy they left.

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