Minutes 04/19/1994 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

April 19, 1994 The Tidewater CommunitY~College~Arts Center will ~e opening here in the autUatni'and it,will provide a continued and expanded arts presence for our City. The gallery at the 1846 Courthouse may be made available for operation by T.C.C. for its art students. This action does not constitute a reduction in our co~L=~Litment to the museums. We are actually expanding, while taking advantage of the opportunity to shift emphasisto the areas where we can specialize and excel. Finally, 'I san also recommending certain increases to the fees charged for utilizing our Parks and Recreation facilities. These adjustments are necessary to meet rising costs associated with the facilities. PUBLIC UTILITIES In last year's bUdget message, I outlined the significant costs facing our Public Utility system necessary to improve aging ~nfrastructure and meet the requirements of the Federal Safe Drinking Water Act. These improvements are based upon sound, phased progr~uns and their funding will require increased revenue. While undertaking these necessary improvements we must also preserve the revenue qenerating capacity of the system. Accomplishing these dual goals requires a sound, balanced management approach -- s true stewardship of the resource. With this in mind I am proposing that the water rate be increased from $1.85 per 1,000 gallons to $1.95 per 1,000 gallons (a 5.4% increase). This ~ncrease would cost the average customer (1,400 cubic feet or 10,473 gallons per bimonthly billing period) an additional $1.05 per bimonthly billing period or $6.30 per year. Additionally, I am recommending that our fees for two utility services be increased to bring them in line with the actual cost of providing the service. The fee for shutting off or restoring service to a premises for non-payment (or at the request of the owner) and for establishing a new account would be raised from $10 to $12. This fee was last changed in 1986. The cost for installing new water service lines would be increased according to the fol~owings~hedule: 3/4 inch service connection 1 inch ~ervmce connection I 1/2 inch service connection 2 inch service connection $350 $500 420 750 500 Actual cost +25% ($900 minimum) 800 Actual cost +25% ($1,500 minimua%)