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HomeMy WebLinkAbout1987-0512 ADJOURNEDMINUTES OF THE ADJOURNED MEETING ASHLAND CITY COUNCIL May 12, 1987 PUBLIC HEARING: Electric Rate Schedules Council President Don Laws called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. on the above date in the Council Chambers. Bennett, Acklin and Arnold were present, Reid arrived at 7:32 P.M., Mayor Medaris and Elerath were absent. The public hearing on the proposed electric rate schedules was opened for comments from the audience. Robert Gruber, 635 Wrights Creek Dr, explained his background with electric rate schedules, and said he felt the City should not raise rates in June when BPA's rate increase will not go into effect until October. Gruber noted the City will receive $60,000 over the BPA increase in 1987-88, but will have deficit in 1988-89. A1 Willstatter, 128 Central, said PP&L's rates should have no bearing on our rates, and agreed with Gruber that rates should not be raised until BPA raises go into effect. City Administrator Almquist explained that $64,000 of the additional funds from the increases would be used to change out PCB-contaminated transformers. Councilor Reid noted that heating season starts in October and electric customers would have to pay larger bills if the increase is not spread out. Councilor Acklin said she felt customers get a good return of services for their money and was prepared to vote for the increase. Councilor Laws said its more efficient to make rate increases now than to wait until October and adjust them again on July 1 for the next budget year. Acklin moved to adopt the rate schedules effective with meter readings on or after June 1, 1987; Arnold seconded the motion. On question from Laws, Almquist said the record of deviation has been within 1% of BPA's increase. The vote was taken, on roll call vote all AYES. (Ref. RES0. 87-18) Reid asked what the policy is for charging minimum water and sewer rates. Acklin asked that an explanation be included in the next agenda packet, and item would be placed on a later agenda. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 8:07 P.M. Karen Huckins Jctin~ City Recorder Acting Mayor 5-12-87 P. 1