Editor, Times-Union: The write-up (4-13-2011) on Silver Lake’s meeting didn’t include some details citizens need to know. The water and sewer finance issue was raised by Teresa Howell. When she said she was concerned, Clerk-Treasurer Angie Glass said you’re not the only one. Linda Baker stated we’ve spoken about this for the last three years. Howell replied, I know but it’s only going to get worse if you don’t do something. Baker asked do you want us to raise your water bill? Howell replied no, have Umbaugh look at the books. Baker asked at $5,000 to tell us to raise rates. Howell replied, it may not come to that, but if it does a small raise now would be better than a large raise later. Howell stated from 2009 to 2010 water and sewer income decreased $68,000. If you continue to ignore it, it will only get worse and we will end up paying for it later. Gale Owens said, he thought if they were doing OK in the sewer fund they could lower the sewer and raise the water rate. Howell replied, that’s what should have been done when the sewer rate was lowered the first time. Glass stated, they lowered the sewer rate three times. Jason Blocker stated, the problem with dropping sewer to accommodate water is the sewer fund will be in the same boat as water. According to Glass she asked the council several times to have a rate study done then quit asking, also State Board of Accounts spoke to them about it. I asked if you can figure out why you’re dropping that money wouldn’t it be worth $5,000? How does it make sense that you won’t check it? Your going to have to eventually. Glass said, the water fund is $30,000 in the hole, what is another $5,000 to get a report? Glass said three years ago when she asked for a rate study there was a drastic difference in revenue. She didn’t know where the decrease was coming from, the same number of customers were billed every month just like normal. She didn’t know what was going on. In a 2009 meeting, Glass stated she was advised by State Board of Accounts to stop paying any bills from the water fund if it’s in the red. Even with the water in the red at 4-12-2011 meeting Glass said she is still paying bills. Glass also said the General Fund didn’t pay hydrant rent to the water fund in 2010 because of a lack of money. I asked is the General Fund broke, too? Glass answered no but it’s hurting because of budget cuts. I stated, even with budget cuts property taxes still went up and Glass agreed. Teresa raised this issue because she understands how serious it is and how it will effect the citizens and town in the future if it isn’t resolved soon. Still it took repeatedly saying the study was necessary before two council members agreed to have it done. Brenda Wadkins Silver Lake, via e-mail
